Welcome to the West Horndon Parish Website
Here you can find information about our village, local activities and events, and the Parish Council. To find out more, please navigate through this website using the page links above.
Latest News
01/08/2017
The Superfast Essex Broadband Programme has launched a public consultation to run during August 2017 to reassess availability of superfast broadband to inform any future broadband work in the county.
Full details and a link to respond can be found at: www.superfastessex.org/whatshappeningnext.
Residents need to check the current State Aid broadband status for their address on the interactive State Aid map on the website and provide feedback with evidence if there is disagreement with the classifiaction shown. Details about the type of evidence required and instructions about how to obtain this are detailed in the public consultation feedback form. Feedback confirming that the broadband status as shown on the map is correct is also welcomed. You will need to provide an address and confirmation whether the response applies to a single address, a full community or multiple addresses.
Feedback on the consultation must only be submitted via the online public consultation feedback form available on the 'What's happening Next?' page at: www.superfastessex.org/whatshappeningnext
27/07/2017
Resurfacing of Station Road, Cadogan Avenue, and Thorndon Avenue will be taking place in August 2017. Thanks go to Councillor Mark Abel for his perserverance with the Highways Authority in ensuring that this much needed work will now go ahead.
All homes within West Horndon Village should now have received a leaflet giving details of the dates on which the resurfacing will take place. Residents are urged to read the leaflet carefully. Comments have been received that the road closures as shown on the front cover are excessive. However, the leaflet makes clear that these are the times when road works will be undertaken and only parts of the affected roads will be unusable. Every effort will be made to allow essential use of the roads being resurfaced at all times. It is understood that total closure of all or part of roads will only take place if absolutely necessary. This is likely to be during the spraying of the bitumen bonding coat, during the laying of the new surface and the compacting process.
Residents are asked to not park their vehicles on the road when 'No Parking' signs have been put up. Drivers are also asked to go slowly across unfinished road surfaces whilst the works are in progress.
It is suggested that doors and windows are kept closed during the resurfacing works to keep out dust. Also, avoid driving or walking on the bitumen spray coat - the thin stickly coat - as it will adhere to you and your vehicle.
Once the new surface has been compacted the contractors will advise when the road is suitable to drive on and can be opened to traffic.
For those residents who have not had sight of the advisory leaflet please contact the Parish Clerk at the usual e-mail address.
26/07/2017
All residents are reminded that on Friday 4th August 2017 there is a Family Fun Day being held in West Horndon Park. The event is being run by Brentwood Borough Council. It runs from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. There will be games, sports activities, bouncy castles, Punch & Judy, face painting, arts activities and ice cream. Many activities are free but there will be a £2.50 wristband charge per child for bouncy castles and rides at the event. Face painting and refreshments will be charged for separately.
19/06/2017
A white Transit van has been seen in the Village with the occupants offering to undertake gardening work for local residents. It appears that this is a scam with the elderly being targeted. If the van is spotted please be wary and notify the Parish Council or the Police.
09/06/2017
The Parish Council has been advised that road works will be taking place on 16th & 17th June 2017 along that part of St. Mary's Lane within Thurrock. As a result bus route 565 will be subject to a diversion.
08/06/2017
The next Local Community Meeting for the Brentwood District is on Wednesday 28th June 2017 between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm at the Christabella Wing, St. Francis Church, Thorndon Avenue, West Horndon. Please attend to discuss Local Policing issues with the Community Policing Team.
23/02/2017
Storm Doris has caused considerable damage in the local area. Any storm related enquiries can be reported to the following emergency numbers:-
Emergency Council Service - 01277 262728 - This number can be used for emergencies in respect of council buildings and assets, flooding, dangerous structures, fire or accident, damage in imminent danger of collapse onto a public place and any civil emergency.
Highways Emergency (Essex County Council) - 0345 603 7631 - Icy roads, flooding, obstruction on public highways, fallen trees, street lighting, etc.
Power cuts should be reported using the new emergency number 105.
22/02/2017
Signs stating that Thorndon Avenue will be closed from its junction with Cadogan Avenue to the A127 on 2nd March 2017 have been erected. West Horndon Parish Council understands that this was to allow Essex and Suffolk Water to undertake important works. However, it has now been ascertained that these works have been completed and there will not now be the necessity for the road to be closed. Hopefully, the signs giving incorrect information will be removed shortly.
04/01/2017
A happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all residents.
As many of you will have heard, an initial 'green light' has been given by the Government to the Dunton Hills Garden Village (DHGV) development. This mean that Brentwood Borough Council will be able to access part of £6m set aside by the Government to scope more detailed plans regarding this proposed new community.
The Parish Council will shortly be issuing a newsletter providing details of discussions with Brentwood Borough Council regarding the latest draft of its Local Development Plan. The newsletter will seek your views on the proposed DHGV development and how you wish the Parish Council to proceed.
17/12/2016
West Horndon Parish Council wishes all parishioners a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Brentwood Borough Council has announced that street lights will be left on all night for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day morning under Essex County Council's pledge to light up festivities. It is also understood that extended lighting will be in place for New Year's Eve into New Year's Day.
For those who need access to a dispensing chemist on Christmas Day the closest available pharmacy will be in Langdon Hills. Great Berry Pharmacy, Great Berry Centre, Unit 4, Nightingales, Langdon Hills, SS16 6SA will be open from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
09/12/2016
Orsett Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday 10th December 2016 at High Road, Orsett from 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm. There will be live performances, craft stalls and various food and drink. A number of charities, local firms and organisations from Orsett , Bulphan and Horndon on the Hill will also be present. Most importantly for children young and old - there will be a visit from Father Christmas and his sleigh.
02/12/2016
All residents are welcome to the Christmas Event being held on Sunday 4th December 2016 at West Horndon Village Hall. Camena Music School will be providing the music and entertainment this year. Singing around the Christmas tree will start at 3.30 pm. The Christmas tree lights will be switched on at 4.00 pm. Switching on the Christmas lights this year is June Palmer. After the tree is lit everyone is invited to come into the Village Hall for hot mince pies, sausage rolls, mulled wine and more entertainment. There is a raffle with many of the prizes donated by local shops/businesses. This year it has been decided that charities to benefit from monies received will be Breast Cancer Care and St Luke's Hospice. This is in memory of the Community Award Winner for 2016 - Mrs Betty Fisher.
The Parish Council looks forward to seeing as many of you as possible.
14/11/2016
Those residents who are concerned regarding speeding vehicles within West Horndon Village can attend Community Speedwatch Training. A session is planned to take place on Thursday 8th December 2016 at 2.00 pm in the Council Chamber at Brentwood Town Hall, Ingrave Road, Brentwood. Places can be reserved by contacting Daniel Cannon at daniel.cannon@brentwood.gov.uk;
25/10/2016
Residents are invited to help Brentwood commemorate on Remembrance Day all those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Brentwood's Remembrance Day Parade and Service will be taking place on Sunday 13th November. The parade will assemble at Library Square, Brentwood School, Bayman Gate, Middleton Hall Lane at 10.15 am. It will make its way to the War Memorial accompanied by the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band at about 10.35 am.
This will be followed by a service conducted by Father Colin from St. Thomas' Church at about 10.50 am and the wreath laying will take place. There will a two minute slience at 11.00 am after which the parade will leave the War Memorial and go towards the High Street via Shenfield Road.
A march past and salute will be taken by Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre from the Dias in the High Street.
24/10/2016
As part of the crackdown in Essex of dumping illegal waste, Essex County Council has released its plan on improving recycling centres in Essex from 31st October 2016. Details can be found on the Essex County Council website.
If you witness or have any information about anyone 'flytipping' or dumping waste illegally in Essex then please report it to the parish council, local authority, Essex Police or the Environmental Agency.
11/10/2016
Two presentations take place this week - and both on the same day
A presentation on proposed flood defence measures around West Horndon Village takes place on Wednesday 12th October 2016 in the rear of St Francis Church. The event offers the opportunity to residents to understand the scheme and ask any questions they might have. The event runs from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
A presentation on the proposed Dunton Hills Garden Suburb is being given by CEG. The event will be held on Wednesday 12th October 2016 in the Christabella Wing of St Francis Church between 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm. The public exhibition is designed to show how key infrastructure would be delivered alongside new homes and employment opportunities.
20/09/2016
In with the new Play equipment in the Park
The new play equipment in the park is now installed and open and available for use.
11/08/2016
Recycle Centre in West Horndon Village
Please note the Recycle Centre / Bring Site will be closed from 12 August 2016
Information On Brentwood Recycling Centres
11/07/2016
Park Update
The Trim Trail and metal Catamaran are being removed and given to the Scout Association at Thriftwood . Keep your eyes open in the coming weeks for new play equipment.
In the meantime please ensure children are supervised in the park area.
17/03/2016 Parish Council Response Documents
Appendix to Local Development Plan Response
West Horndon - Sustainability Appraisal 20 03 16
West Horndon Neighbourhood Plan - Sustainability Appraisal - Executive Summary 20 03 16
Appendix 1 - Services and Facilities
Appendix 2 - Compatibility Issues
Appendix 3 - Extract from Current Local Plan
Appendix 4 - The Assessment Process
03/03/2016: OFFICIAL BRENTWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL COMMENT ON LOWER THAMES CROSSING
Please find the official Brentwood Borough Council comment on the proposed Lower Thames Crossing below:
Press release
Date: 3 March 2016
Council to respond to Lower Thames Crossing consultation
Councillors agreed as an item of urgent business at this week’s Planning & Licensing Committee (1 March) that Brentwood Borough Council’s response to the Lower Thames Crossing consultation will be considered for approval at the next meeting of the Policy, Finance & Resources Committee on Tuesday 22nd March.
At the end of January 2016, the Council received details from Highways England of the Lower Thames Crossing plans to link Tilbury with Gravesend in Kent as their preferred option, which is known as Option C. Highways England also launched a public consultation which ends on 24 March 2016.
There is a clear understanding for the need for an additional river crossing for the following reasons:
· It is well known from evidence and experience that Dartford is heavily congested, which not only delays journeys but also has a negative impact on the local and national economy. Dartford is also potentially vulnerable if an additional crossing is built there given the amount of traffic in one location with limited alternatives.
· The proposal for a new crossing at Location C is supported. This seems to be the most suitable location when considering the connections between the M2/A2 in Kent and A13/M25 in Essex to benefit the wider region.
· The proposal for a bored tunnel is supported. This will have less of an environmental impact than a bridge or immersed tunnel, as well as being more aesthetically pleasing for the local area.
The Leader of Brentwood Borough Council who also Chairs the Policy, Finance & Resources Committee, Councillor Louise McKinlay, said: “Highways England proposed preferred route is Route 3 and support for Route 3 will be recommended for approval to members later this month. Although the route will have an impact on the setting of the countryside and Green Belt in South Essex, it appears to provide the shortest route from a crossing that connects with the M2 in Kent straight onto the M25. This seems to be the most sensible way to direct traffic, reducing strain on Dartford and providing new connections with the A13 and areas of growth in the Thames Gateway, such as the London Gateway port and logistics park. It would also provide an economic boost to the area, and to our Borough. The Council is proposing growth in and around Brentwood to meet local needs but we also want to keep our unique local character. Employment growth and new homes in Brentwood Borough would benefit greatly from the improved highway links and business opportunities.
“I have major concerns about the impacts that the published alternative Route 4 would have on the Borough. This route proposes that a new motorway follows the path of the A128 north and connects with the A127 in the Brentwood Borough. Whilst this could increase capacity on the A127 between West Horndon and the M25, it would fundamentally change the nature of the highway and require new links to and from roads that currently have access onto the A127. Route 4 also has potentially profound impacts on the Draft Brentwood Local Development Plan, specifically two proposed strategic sites at each end of the Borough’s A127 Corridor proposed to provide 2,500 new homes and more than 3,000 new jobs between them. The level of upgrade that would be required to both the A127 and M25 junction 29, as well as the high costs involved are further reasons that I will be proposing to the Committee that we object to the alternative option Route 4.
“Whilst we put together our response to Highways England consultation – I encourage our residents and businesses to respond to the consultation too.”
For more information on the Lower Thames Crossing consultation and to have your say please visit www.lower-thames-crossing.co.uk
26/01/2016: LOWER THAMES CROSSING CONSULTATION
A new Thames Crossing consultation is taking place between 26 January and 24th March 2016. The consultation can be found here:
https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/cip/lower-thames-crossing-consultation
Note that Route 4 would brush West Horndon via the A127. The remaining routes would also impact our local communities surrounding the village, in particuar, Orsett.
It is extremely important that this information is spread around our community, and as many people as possible respond to the consultation with their views.
We will ensure that information is also put up on our notice boards, and will try to get some paper copies available. We will confirm locations as soon as possible.
07/01/2016: PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCIES
We currently have two vacancies for Parish Councillors. No qualifications or experience necessary - just enthusiasm! Would you like to make a difference in your community? Do you have some ideas on how to improve the area in which you live? Come and join us on the Parish Council!
For more information or just an informat chat, please contact Cllr Colin Foan (whpc.cllr.colinfoan@gmai.com - 01277 812197), or our Clerk Lynne Farquhar (whpc.parishclerk@gmail.com - 07905416941).
25/09/2015: WEST HORNDON CITIZENSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY
On 24th September, WHPC held the annual West Horndon Citizenship Awards ceremony. We were priviledged to have this year's awards handed out by the Brentwood Deputy Mayor. A very well done to all of this year's award winners, and a big thanks to all of those who attended and made it a special evening for all of those involved.
25/09/2015: WHPC COUNCILLORS RECEIVE ROSPA CERTIFICATES
Earlier this year, 3 WHPC councillors took time out of their day to day to take a ROSPA course in playground safety. Councillors McNicol, Foan and Crowley are now fully qualified to assess and monitor the safety of the playground at West Horndon park. We were priviledged to have the ROSPA certificates handed out by our deputy Mayor last night. A couple of pictures below!
15/06/2015: LDP (LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN) PROCESS - NO NEWS, BUT WORK ONGOING
Despite the work put in by West Horndon residents to respond to both the Strategic Growth Options consultation, and the Dunton Garden Suburb consultation earlier this year, no further progress with regards to their LDP/development plans has been communicated to either the Parish Council or the wider Brentwood Borough residents by Brentwood Borough Council. The timing of the closing of the consultations coincided with the Borough Council election process, and it is understood that the new administration are still getting up to speed with responses and agreeing a path forwards for the LDP.
As such, unfortunately which this is a key issue for West Horndon, and despite the time elapsed since the latest consultation rounds closed, the Parish Council do not have an update for residents at this time. We wanted to flag this to you however, given how important this issue is to local residents and us as a Parish as a whole.
The Parish Council is not however just waiting re-engagement from Brentwood Borough Council. We are actively seeking meetings with key planning officers, and in the meantime we are working on our own sustainability appraisal which should provide us with a clearer view as to what level of development could be truely considered sustainable for West Horndon as a parish. This will enable us as a parish to provide a firm and well informed response to the Borough Council as and when they re-engage on their LDP plans.
11/06/2015: VEHICLE SAFETY REMINDER
The Brentwood area has suffered an increased number of incidents relating to car crime recently, please read the following information to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Always shut the doors, windows and sunroof and ensure the car is locked. Never walk away from your car unless you are certain its locked by testing the handle.
Use a steering wheel lock if you have one, they have been around for a long time but are still very effective.
When you are at home don't leave your keys on show. put them in a safe place away from windows and doors.
If possible remove all valuables from the car, if it is not possible to remove them then put them out of sight.
When parking at home park in your garage if you have one, if not then park in a well lit area that has good natural surveillance from neighbouring properties.
When not parking at home try and use a secure car park, preferably monitored or with barriers. Again if its dark park in well lit areas. look for car parks that have the 'Park Mark' sign, these have been accredited as secure car parks by meeting the approved criteria. you can find these car parks by going on their website at: www.parkmark.co.uk
Please also visit www.essex.police.uk/my_neighbourhood.aspx for more information and to find your local officer contact details
14/05/2015: CHANGES TO ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL SUNDAY SAVER BUS FARES
We have been advised that Essex County Council will be increasing the price of its Sunday Saver ticket from Sunday 14th June 2015. The Sunday Saver Day Ticket is a "multi-operator bus ticket" offering unlimited day travel on all qualifying bus services in Essex on a Sunday, except on services operated by TfL and some premium bus routes.
A single adult fare increases from £2.80 to £4.00, single child from £1.50 to £2.00, and family from £8.00 to £10.00.
Information flyer can be found here.
30/04/2015: LOCAL SCHOOL TRANSPORT
West Horndon Parish Council are aware of the fact that many parents of pupils going to Brentwood County High have been informed that they will have to pay for their school transport going forwards. Having spoken to our Essex County Councillor on the matter, we understand that this appears to be an unintended consequence of an Essex wide transport policy introduced last year. This policy sought to limit funded school transport to those pupils who took up the place offered to them at their nearest school. When debated, it was understood that BCHS was the closest school to West Horndon. Based on correspondence with some local parents, it appears that the nearest school has been calculated as a Basildon/Laindon based school.
Given this was not intended to be the case, our Essex County Councillor will be taking the matter up. We (WHPC) will remain in dialogue to ensure that this situation is resolved in a positive manner.
15/04/2015: LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATION DECISIONS
Two planning applications within West Horndon Parish were referred to the Brentwood Borough Council Planning and Development Control Committee held on the 14th April 2015. These applications related to 1) the former Elliots nightclub and petrol station on the A127, and 2) 9 Thorndon Avenue.
WHPC had supported the proposed development on the old Elliots site, noting that whilst it was technically green belt land, it had been laying derelict for c. 30 years. The development plans put forwards were considered to be well thought through, and appropriate for the site. However, the proposal was recommended for refusal by planning officers due to, amongst other things, its location in the green belt and transport links. We are pleased that the BBC Planning and Development Control Committee took a similar view to WHPC and approved the application last night.
With regards to the proposed development at 9 Thorndon Avenue, WHPC had not supported the application when we considered it earlier this year. Whilst the site is oversized versus the standard plots on Thorndon Avenue, WHPC considered the level of development proposed to be excessive, with two rows of houses proposed essentially building in to garden space. The proposed density was not in keeping with the village, and could set a precedent for treatment of other slightly larger plots locally. Whilst planning officers had recommended the application for approval, we are plased that the BBC Planning and Development Control Committee refused the application on similar grounds to WHPC.
We view these decisions as positive for the village and wider parish.
Agenda and webcasts from the committee last night can be found here:
http://brentwood.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=131&MId=189
07/05/14: NEW WEBSITE
Welcome to the new West Horndon Parish website! Please take some time to take a look around, and any feedback would be warmly welcomed by the Communications Group.
Where to find us:
The village of West Horndon is located in the southernmost part of the Borough of Brentwood, with most of the Parish south of the A127 and west of the A128.
