Planning Consultations—Latton Priory

At a cabinet meeting held in the beginning of November, Councillors asked Place Portfolio Holder, Councillor Nigel Bedford to ensure residents receive clear guidance so as not to confuse 2 important planning consultation processes. Latton Priory is a strategic development site allocated for a minimum of 1,050 new homes. It will form part of the Harlow and Gilston Town developments within Epping Forest district. It is also set to accommodate primary and secondary schools, employment land, gypsy and traveller pitches, community facilities and significant green space. Cabinet approved proposals to consult on the Latton Priory Masterplan produced by site promoters CEG and Hallam Land for 6 weeks beginning in mid-November. Councillor Bedford said Latton Priory Masterplan consultation has been extended into January. It will include workshops and the widest possible public contributions, taking into account Christmas and the New Year. Outcomes of the consultation will be reported back to Cabinet. The separate 6-week Local Plan Main Modifications consultation that will run to 9 December was also discussed. The Local Plan consultation is being conducted under the control of the government-appointed inspector. Councillor Bedford stressed that representations are only invited on the further Main Modifications as any other matters previously agreed by the planning inspector will not be reconsidered. Councillor Bedford said that once the inspector had considered the responses, including evidence presented throughout the examination, he will determine whether the Local Plan is ‘sound’. If it is determined to be ‘sound’, the Local Plan could then be formally adopted by the Council. Both consultations will be clearly distinguished from each other on the Epping Forest District Council website.

Keeping Warm and Safe this Winter

With the advent of the colder weather and rising fuel costs, Trading Standards are warning people to take care and buy wisely if thinking of purchasing a portable electric heater . As with any product you get what you pay for and 'cheap' may prove to be costly in the long run. A small portable electric heater may be useful for heating a small space and prove a practical way of controlling your heating costs in the short term, but it may not be the most cost effective over time.

As with any electrical appliance always check the heater is CE or UKCA marked. These marks are conformity marks indicating the items have been made to and tested against the relevant safety requirements - those that are not marked could prove dangerous . The mark can easily be copied so be aware of cheap products as these may not have been through the conformity assessment procedure. Check that the product is fitted with a three pin UK plug and avoid buying second hand as you don’t know what condition the heater is in and how it’s previously been used. Check for any damage (to the product casing and cable/plug) and ensure you read the instructions thoroughly before use. Finally, never leave a heater switched on unattended and don’t place other items either close to or on the heater while it’s in use.