07/01/2026
STATEMENT FROM THE TRUSTEES OF THE FORD END VILLAGE HALL
REGARDING THE POTENTIAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO
FORD END PRIMARY SCHOOL
It is public knowledge that a site has been identified in the Chelmsford Local Plan for a possible development of up to seventy-five dwellings on the agricultural field adjacent to Ford End Primary School (Additional Sites Location 14b). The Local Plan is open for public consultation until this Thurs 8th Jan 2026. (https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-local-plan/local-plan-review/).
If the site is confirmed then a planning application is likely to be submitted by the developer, and will more than likely to be approved, in the opinion of the Trustees.
It has been loosely suggested by the likely developer that there may be potential for the construction of a new village hall within the boundaries of the development. When sites of this size are proposed, the developer is required to pay a “Community Investment Levy” known as “CIL”. The community does have an opportunity to put forward possible projects where they will wish to see this money spent. Normally this is done in conjunction with the Parish Council.
Until recently the Trustees of the village hall have had very little contact with the likely developers with the exception of a brief dialogue some 18/24 months ago when we were informed that development sites were being looked at and considered within the Ford End village area. At the time our views were canvassed to support a housing development with the possibility of a new village hall being financed from the CIL proceeds.
Our view at the time was and still remains that we will always be guided by the community’s/residents' views, particularly as to the location of the hall. It has always been our view that its current central location is preferred, as being relatively central to the village and adjacent to the church.
This matter has been dormant until recently when two important changes in circumstances have occurred.
As mentioned above the development looks very likely to receive permission. Possibly the only unknown is whether it will be for seventy five dwellings or slightly/substantially less.
We have had a non-invasive structural investigation of the present Village Hall building backed up by a second opinion. Both surveys have indicated that the building is nearing the end of its useful life. The hall was put in place in 1922 so the village has had 103 years out of it. Both reports have suggested we need to buttress the north east corner to mitigate movement caused by ongoing structural deterioration. Whilst it is not in danger of collapsing within the near future we have also been advised to monitor movement on a regular basis. By following the full recommendations of the reports we may find the hall will serve the community well for another decade. However, we cannot ignore the opportunity which may present itself to enter discussions with the developer who may provide the funds to build the village a brand new hall which will serve us for many years to come. It is doubtful but not impossible that the developer would consider a new hall in the current location.
In order to move forward as quickly as we can, we need to hear from you, the community/residents of Ford End, Littley Green, North End and all within the northern part of the Great Waltham Parish Council.
Please contact us by e-mail at [email protected] with your views and/or comments with respect to the village hall, as soon as possible.
General comments or objections should be submitted directly in response to the consultation before 4pm tomorrow (Thurs 8th Jan) at https://consult.chelmsford.gov.uk/kse/
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