Your report on the Gimsons development in Witham last week highlighted some of the objectors’ arguments to refuse the application, particularly highways issues.

I attended the meeting and appreciated the presentations raised by objectors.

I also noted planning councillors had some sympathy with these arguments but felt they could not refuse the application by effectively refuting highways advice.

Braintree Council has spent the last nine months scrutinising Essex County Council’s Highways operations as it affects this district and have published its report for consideration at this week’s council meeting.

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This is a very critical report about the overall highways function including concerns that rarely, if ever, do highways planners recommend refusal of large scale developments due to the incapacity of the road network to cope with the extra traffic generated by the housing.

Evidence in the report was largely received from county and district councillors, parish councils and individuals as, at most of the meetings, the county council refused to allow its officers to attend, provide information and to answer questions.

Several people who did give evidence called the highways department “not fit for purpose”.

This evidence in the report provides much of the basis of the planning members’ sympathy with residents about traffic.

The objectors are now writing to the Secretary of State to “call in” the application for independent examination.

If this happens it is to be hoped the traffic objections, together with other residents’ concerns, will be re-appraised.

Phil Barlow

Labour district councillor for Witham North ward

Chalks Road, Witham