Wickford North Green Action Group (WNGAG) was formed in late 2006 when we first became aware that developers were planning to build on 100 acres of green countryside between Station Avenue and Waverley Crescent - an area known locally as Barn Hall. WNGAG is an independent, non-political group of residents. We are recognised by both Basildon District Council and Chelmsford Borough Council as a properly constituted interest group which is representing the interests of the local community. We work closely with Basildon and Chelmsford councillors because the land owned by the developers falls within the boundaries of both councils; and, also, with our local MP, John Baron. As well as this website, we issue regular leaflets to local residents and aim to keep the whole community up-to-date with what is happening and what’s at stake for their neighbourhood.


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We won a significant victory on 12 February 2008 when Basildon Council’s Planning Committee rejected the developers’ initial application to build up to 200 flats and houses in the two fields at the end of Station Avenue. But the fight to save Barn Hall permanently goes on because the developers don’t just own these two fields. They own most of the 100 acres up to and beyond Waverley Crescent. They intend to ‘concrete over’ the lot, build up to 2000 flats and houses, and ruin the neighbourhood and lifestyle enjoyed at present by residents in North Wickford. They appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, who held a public inquiry lasting for four days at the end of June 2008 in the Council’s offices in the Basildon Centre. WNGAG and Basildon Council gave evidence at this inquiry; and both of us continued to fight the developers’ plans 100%. The Planning Inspector will now make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (currently Hazel Blears), who will make the final decision. So it’s central government which will determine the fate of Barn Hall. The Secretary of State’s decision is expected by the end of October 2008 but, to further emphasise the strength of feeling in the local community against building, WNGAG and John Baron MP delivered a petition containing 3,521 signatures to her on 23 June 2008. For more information on this and the public inquiry, see News and Updates.

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WNGAG is dedicated solely to opposing development at Barn Hall. Our aim is to keep it permanently within the Green Belt. We are not connected to other, local action groups with wider aims, such as the Wickford Action Group, which is against all aspects of over-development in Wickford, including (in their view) the current Wickford Masterplan

While we wait for the Secretary of State’s decision, you can still:

  • Sign our new on-line Petition, if you have not done so already and want to show you care about protecting our countryside, wish to avoid the over-development of North Wickford, and oppose building on Barn Hall.
  • E-mail us with your comments or if you want to help with our campaign. We would particularly like to hear from you if you have organisational or professional skills and/or legal experience.
  • Write to the your local councillors, your MP, the local press and/or the Essex branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England and say why you oppose the developers’ plans - see Take Action

You can also read the many, many thoughts and comments already sent to us by past and present Wickford and Essex residents at Comments.