Campaign Newsletter – 20 February 2025
Objection Deadline for Pigeon OPP
📣 Campaign Newsletter – 20 February 2025
Only 1 day left to object to Pigeon’s massive industrial site at Junction 18.
In this issue:
– Final objection deadline: Friday 21 February 2025
– What’s proposed and why it’s dangerous
– How to submit your objection in minutes
– Spread the word and protect Sandon, Danbury, Boreham, and Little Baddow
https://notohammondsfarm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Campaign-20250220.pdf📎 Download PDF version of this newsletter
Dear Supporters,
🚨 Urgent Reminder – Objection Deadline: Friday 21st February 2025
A highly controversial Outline Planning Application (Ref: 24/01768/OUT) has been submitted by Pigeon Investment Management for an industrial development totalling 500,000 sq ft south of the A414 at Junction 18 of the A12 in Sandon, Chelmsford.
This application forms part of Strategic Growth Site 16b in the Local Plan — but Pigeon has broken ranks by applying early, raising serious questions about the integrity of Chelmsford City Council’s overall strategy.
❌ Why We Oppose the Application
- Flood Risk
The site lies near Sandon Brook — a flood-prone area. Industrial construction here would increase flood risk and pollution. - Biodiversity Destruction
Natural habitats will be disrupted. Wildlife returning to the area will be driven out again. - Traffic Overload
The A12 and A414 are already overwhelmed. This development will bring major congestion and pollution. - Infrastructure Deficit
The roads and public transport systems cannot handle this scale of industrial use. - Cumulative Impact with Hammonds Farm
This site is directly opposite the proposed Hammonds Farm development (3,000+ homes + another 500,000 sq ft of commercial space). The combined effect would be devastating.
🖱 How to Submit Your Objection
✅ Use Our Website
Submit via our streamlined form here:
👉 www.notohammondsfarm.co.uk/pigeonopp
You can submit multiple objections with different reasons, or list all points in one submission.
✅ Via the Council Planning Portal
Search reference 24/01768/OUT on the Chelmsford Planning Portal and submit your objections directly.
📣 Help Spread the Word
- Share this with your contacts — they don’t have to live locally to object
- Follow us on social media
- Encourage neighbours, friends, and family to submit objections
- Remind them it’s quick and vital
🧱 Recap on Proposal
Pigeon (Columba Park):
- 500,000 sq ft of warehousing and industrial space
- Located just south of A414/A12 junction
- Would permanently damage the character of the surrounding region
This is in addition to Hammonds Farm’s 3,100 homes and 500,000 sq ft of business space.
💬 Fighting Fund Update
We’ve retained a King’s Counsel (KC) to support the case. Your donations help cover:
- Legal representation
- Planning consultants
- Expert environmental witnesses
Support the fund here:
👉 GoFundMe – No To Hammonds Farm
—
The No to Hammonds Farm Working Group
🔗 www.notohammondsfarm.co.uk
