Southend Gossip

28/08/2026

😂

📜✍🏻 It’s been a long day, but I’m delighted to announce that I’ve signed an executive order…

24/08/2026

Latest: Residents and campaigners gathered outside Southend’s Civic Centre this evening to protest against plans which could see thousands of new homes built on Green Belt land.

The protest took place ahead of an emergency council meeting to discuss a motion supported by 28 of Southend’s 51 councillors from across different political groups.

Members of the Save Bournes Green Chase Green Belt Group joined residents and community groups calling for the Green Belt to be protected.

Tricia Cowdrey, who helped organise the protest, said: “The daily struggle to get out of Shoeburyness, then out of Southend, is causing residents so much stress. Our roads are already overwhelmed. Can you imagine adding another 10,000 + cars in the east of the city? And what about the increased air pollution this will cause?”

The protest comes as Southend Council has paused its draft Local Plan and is asking the Government for more time to develop it. Council leader Daniel Cowan said: “We know that there isn’t currently a majority for the draft Plan.”

Meanwhile, plans for around 2,000 homes at Bournes Green, one of three major developments proposed in the Bournes Green area, have been recommended for approval by council planning officers.

Campaigners fear the loss of Green Belt and the wider impact thousands of new homes could have on roads, schools, healthcare and other services.

Planning officers have said the benefits of the development, including space for a school, healthcare facilities and a large park, outweigh its potential negative impacts.

23/08/2026

23/08/2026

20/08/2026

People are urged to call 999 if they see him