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Welcome to the last edition of District News in 2025 and the first edition of 2026.

 

We are both looking forward to meeting you at upcoming events in your Parish before Christmas and hope you enjoy the festivities. And hopefully the New Year will bring Health and happiness to all.

 

                                  Uttlesford District Council

 

Local Plan update

 

The main modifications consultation to the Local Plan closed on 27 October. This was the final consultation on proposed changes to the Local Plan as recommended by the Planning Inspectors. UDC had around 80 responses from developers, parish councils, residents and others, and they have been sent to the Inspectors and will also be published on our website on 14 November.

 

We must now wait for the Inspectors to review them and only the Inspectors can now make any final changes to the Local Plan. The Inspectors will then write to UDC with a detailed report to advise on the final modifications that must be made and whether, or not they consider the Local Plan fit for adoption. This process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks and so we should know the outcome towards the end of the year.

 

For more information go to the UDC website:

https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/new-local-plan

 

Local Government Reorganisation

 

As reported last month, the Uttlesford submission to the government was provided on time, UDC are now awaiting the date and details of the consultation which is believed to be made available towards the end of November 2025.

All four schemes are now published on the UDC website for you to review.

 

https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/lgr

 

 

Latest information on waste bin collection service

 

The programme for bin collections in Uttlesford along with the 2026 waste and recycling calendar, notes on garden waste and sharps collections over the holiday period, can be found on the Christmas and New Year bin collections page on the UDC website. With hard copies to be sent to every property in the District beginning W/C 08 December 2025.

 

For more information go to the UDC website:

https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/bin-service

 

Essex County Council 2026/27 budget consultation

 

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to share their views on the priorities for Essex County Council’s 2026/27 budget.

The council is asking for views on the key issues facing Essex. Responses to the consultation will help shape services and plan for the future.

The consultation closes on 15 December.

 

You can find the budget consultation survey here:

https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/ecc-budget-consultation-2026-27/

 

PFCC precept survey

 

The annual Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex precept survey is seeking views on policing and community safety.

All residents, businesses and people who work or travel in any Essex district can complete the precept survey for 2026/27.

 

The survey takes about four minutes to complete and can be found here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PFCCSurvey26-27/ 

 

 

Civic Carol Service – Wednesday 10 December

UDC are delighted to invite you to Uttlesford District Council's, Civic Carol Service, to be held at Holy Cross Church, Station Road, Felsted, CM6 3DG.

The service starts at 7pm, however we ask that you please be seated by 6.45pm.

During the service there will be a collection, with proceeds towards the chairs charity, the three Uttlesford-based Cadet detachments, who will also be present on the evening.

 

Ward Surgeries

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Normal Ward surgeries will take place on the first Tuesday of the month at Great Hallingbury Village Hall, between 2 – 4pm (02 December 2025 – 06 January 2026).

The Little Hallingbury Village Hall surgery which is currently being held in the village hall annex will take place on the third Thursday of the month between 2 – 4pm (18 December 2025 – 15 January 2026).

The afternoon surgery on the third Friday of the month will be held on 19 December 2025 and 16 January 2026. This will be held at the normal location and time, the Dukes Head PH, Hatfield Broad Oak between 2 – 4pm.   

 

And the normal reminder, that should you need to contact Neil or myself (Geof), you can email us on the following addresses.

cllrdriscoll@uttlesford.gov.uk or cllrreeve@uttlesford.gov.uk

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