The Tendring District Council Planning Committee met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, approving three planning applications. These included proposals for eight detached bungalows in Great Oakley, four electric vehicle charging units at Lawford Place, and cliff stabilisation works at Lower Promenade, Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea.

Planning Application 26/00954/FUL - West Lodge, Sparrows Corner, Great Oakley CO12 5AB

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing dwelling at West Lodge and the erection of eight detached bungalows, along with associated access, parking, landscaping, and infrastructure works. This represents a net increase of seven dwellings. The application was called in by Councillor M Bush, who raised concerns about backland development in a rural environment, the demolition of a quality dwelling, the site's location outside the settlement development boundary, restricted site access, potential issues for emergency service vehicles, inadequate infrastructure, and the loss of the existing dwelling.

Officers considered the proposal to be a sustainable form of development, with the benefits outweighing the limited conflict arising from its location outside the settlement development boundary, given the council's current 3.22-year housing land supply. During the discussion, concerns were raised by committee members regarding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)¹, the potential presence of wildlife such as adders, slow worms, and lizards in the wider area, and the statement that BNG could not be achieved entirely. Principal Planning Officer Amy Lang explained that the development would secure BNG requirements through mandatory legislation and that a combination of on-site and off-site measures would be necessary, with the precise delivery identified in a Biodiversity Gain Plan at a later stage. The requirement for off-site provision to be maintained for at least 30 years was also clarified.

Further questions were raised about land contamination, with Principal Planning Officer John Pateman-Gee explaining that a condition would require further investigation, and mitigation or remediation would be undertaken based on the findings. He noted that significant contamination could impact the viability of the development, but the council's role would be to ensure satisfactory remediation. The possibility of the site having previously been used as a gravel pit or military dump was also discussed, with Pateman-Gee stating there was no record of this, but a robust condition would ensure appropriate investigation.

Councillor Land declared an interest as Parish Clerk of Great Oakley Parish Council and retired from the room during the deliberation and determination of this item. Councillor Keteca joined the meeting during the discussion but took no part in the decision.

The Head of Planning and Building Control was authorised to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, and to send informative notes to the applicant.

Planning Application 26/00898/FUL - 26 Lawford Place, Lawford CO11 2PT

Permission was granted for the installation of four electric vehicle (EV) charging units within the existing parking area at Lawford Place. The proposal had been amended from six to four units to reduce its visual impact and address concerns about siting equipment in front of neighbouring dwellings. Officers recommended approval, subject to conditions, as the development was not considered to harm residential amenity, biodiversity, highway safety, the setting of the Grade II Listed Building, or the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape.

The application was called in by Councillor G Guglielmi due to concerns about the impact of the charging facilities and posts on the setting and appearance of the Grade II Listed Building. David Barkham, the applicant, spoke in favour, while Rachel Duffett, a member of the public, and Councillor Barrett, a Ward Member, spoke against the application. Councillor Barrett also read a statement on behalf of Councillor Guglielmi.

A question was raised about moving the posts approximately six inches further back, potentially placing them within residents' gardens. Principal Planning Officer Michael Pingram clarified that planning permission would still be required as it would remain within the curtilage of the listed building.

The Head of Planning and Building Control was authorised to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, and to send informative notes to the applicant.

Planning Application 26/00729/FUL - Lower Promenade, Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1LS

The committee approved proposed cliff stabilisation works, including the rebuilding of a failed tumbled brick wall and the installation of drainage. This application was before the committee as Tendring District Council was both the applicant and the landowner. Essex County Council (ECC) Heritage raised no objections, and officers believed the works would not cause significant visual harm or harm to neighbouring amenities or existing trees and vegetation. ECC Archaeology also raised no objections, subject to conditions.

Councillor Alexander, a Ward Member, declared for the public record that he was not pre-determined on this application. No members of the public registered to speak.

During the discussion, a question was asked about how drainage would be improved, as it was currently poor in the area. Principal Planning Officer Michael Pingram read a response from the applicant explaining that the works were intended to control and manage water flow from the cliff face, which currently caused health and safety issues and contributed to cliff destabilisation. The current flow across the promenade would be stopped.

Concerns were also raised about promenade closures during the works. The applicant's response indicated that the promenade would be closed for part of the duration for health and safety reasons, particularly during sheet piling. Diversion routes would be in place, and access to cafes would be maintained. The estimated closure period was around five weeks, with a restricted width possibly available at other times. The path from the cliff top to the promenade was expected to be closed for the duration of the works, estimated at 10 weeks.

The Head of Planning and Building Control was authorised to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, and to send informative notes to the applicant.