Road Closure for Housing Development Causes Surge in Heavy Vehicle Traffic Through Essex Village

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.

Abbott warned that proposed local plan changes could lead to larger schemes, potentially causing traffic congestion across the region. Essex Highways confirmed that The Street is not part of the authorized diversion. The designated route directs traffic via the B1018, B1389, A12, A120, and back to the B1018.

network for details. The closure aims to ensure safety for the public and construction workers during the highway improvements by Persimmon Homes. The B1018 is scheduled to reopen in mid-April. Residents and officials continue to monitor the traffic situation in the village.