The Pigeon Proposal Is Back – And It’s Still All Wrong.
Earlier this year, developers Pigeon Investment Management had their controversial plans for a huge new industrial estate — Strategic Growth Site 16b — rejected. The application was widely criticised as unsustainable, unjustified, and deeply damaging to local communities and the environment.
But now, they’re trying again.
A new planning application has been submitted to Chelmsford City Council, and although it has a new reference number, it’s virtually identical to the original proposal that was rightly refused. The application number is 25/01018/OUT. 🔗https://publicaccess.chelmsford.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage
The location? A greenfield site in Sandon, wedged between protected countryside and overburdened roads.
The vision? A so-called “employment hub” that would bring more HGVs, traffic, light pollution and environmental loss to the Chelmer Valley and surrounding areas.
This is planning by attrition. Pigeon is hoping local communities will be too tired to object a second time.
Let’s prove them wrong.
What’s Actually Changed?
Very little.
The new application still proposes:
- Multiple large-scale B2/B8 warehouses and industrial units.
- Thousands of extra vehicle movements per day.
- Development on high-quality farmland with no realistic public transport access.
- An assault on the rural character and tranquility of Sandon, Little Baddow, Danbury and the Chelmer Valley.
Crucially, Pigeon has not addressed the reasons their first application was rejected. There’s no new evidence of employment need.
No meaningful infrastructure upgrades. No change in traffic mitigation. No updated ecological case.
It’s a repackaged version of the same flawed scheme.
Why It Matters Now
This isn’t just about one site. It’s about defending the integrity of the planning process.
- If developers can simply resubmit the same proposal after a refusal, hoping for a different outcome, what’s the point of community consultation?
- If strategic sites like 16b are allowed to proceed while the Local Plan is still under examination, public accountability collapses.
- If enough people fail to object, the Council may be pressured into approval — simply to avoid another appeal.
Your voice is just as vital as it was the first time. Possibly more.
How to Object
This is a brand-new application, so previous objections do not carry over.
👉 You must object again.
🔗 https://publicaccess.chelmsford.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage
Tell Chelmsford City Council:
- A bad plan doesn’t become a good one just because it’s resubmitted.
- Our rural landscape, wildlife, and roads are not expendable.
- We’ve said no before. We’re saying it again.
Let’s send a clear message:
🔊 Same application. Same objections. Still unacceptable.
