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Road Closure for Housing Development Causes Surge in Heavy Vehicle Traffic Through Essex Village
Residents of Cressing, a village near Braintree in Essex, report increased heavy goods vehicle traffic on narrow roads due to a closure of the B1018 for highway improvements linked to a 250-home development by Persimmon Homes. The closure began on March 27 and is expected to end in mid-April. Local officials have designated an alternative route, but some drivers are using village streets instead.
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Cressing, a village near Braintree in Essex, has seen a surge in articulated lorries using its narrow lanes since the closure of the B1018 on March 27. The closure affects the section between the Millennium Way roundabout and a new junction beside a housing site. The work is part of highway improvements connected to a 250-home development by Persimmon Homes.
Drivers are bypassing the official diversion by routing through the village, particularly along The Street, the main road. This has led to reports of heavy vehicles failing to yield to oncoming traffic and mounting kerbs to navigate the confined spaces. Residents with period properties along the route note lorries passing close to their front doors and windows.
The housing development was initially rejected by Braintree District Council but approved after a successful appeal in 2020. The council had designated the site as an open countryside buffer zone. The planning inspector determined that negative impacts did not outweigh the benefits and classified the project as sustainable development.
Local resident Marilyn Palmer, who has lived in the area for a long time, described the situation as ludicrous. Her husband Barry commented on the ongoing construction in the region.
“We've been here a long while. And we do realise things change, but this is ludicrous.”
Green Party Councillor for Silver End and Cressing James Abbott has criticized the planning system, stating it favors developers through appeals. He noted government pressure to increase housing targets and the concentration of multiple developments in the area.
