Church Langley and Newhall councillors thank residents as they announce Old London Road bus gate cancelled once and for all

News / Tue 21st Oct 2025 at 06:55am

A statement from the Church Langley and Newhall councillors

“Like thousands of residents in Newhall and Church Langley, we have always opposed Essex County Council’s proposed bus gate, which would have closed Old London Road. This scheme would have caused traffic chaos and unfairly punished motorists.

“From the moment the latest planning application was submitted, we made it clear that the plan was unacceptable for Newhall and Church Langley – and we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to stop it.

“Today, we can confirm that the proposed bus gate has been cancelled once and for all. The planning application has been withdrawn, and it will not be brought forward again in the future.

“This is a major victory for Harlow residents – particularly those in Newhall and Church Langley – who stood together, spoke up, and made their voices heard. The hundreds of objections submitted through the planning portal, combined with our continued lobbying and partnership work, made the difference and ensured that common sense prevailed.

“We promised to fight this damaging proposal – and thanks to the support of local residents – we’ve delivered. Old London Road will remain open, at all times, for all cars – exactly as it should be.

“We want to thank every resident who took the time to raise their concerns and submit objections and particularly thank Lorraine Perry and Colin Reed for spearheading this campaign. This is your victory.

Cllr Dan Swords, Cllr Andrew Johnson, Cllr Michael Hardware (Ward councillors for Church Langley North and Newhall)

Cllr Danielle Brown, Cllr Nicky Purse, Cllr James Leppard (Ward councillors for Church Langley South and Potter Street)

5 Comments for Church Langley and Newhall councillors thank residents as they announce Old London Road bus gate cancelled once and for all:

Colleen Morrison

2025-10-21 07:53:34

“Our focus now turns to addressing the wider traffic pressures faced by residents around Church Langley Way and the A414, particularly during the morning peak. We will be lobbying Essex County Council to identify solutions that improve traffic flow and make journeys across Harlow easier for everyone.” A major issue on the A414 is due to the Newhall traffic lights instantly bringing three lanes of traffic to a halt every time just one vehicle, to or from Newhall, or the London Road, arrives at the lights. I don't believe any other traffic lights in Harlow operate on this irrational basis.

Jasper

2025-10-21 10:14:11

It's ironic that you want the traffic to speed up and flow nicely through the town yet you are restricting more roads with the bus lanes and traffic lights that are being constructed at the moment. How about a bypass around Harlow for the through traffic on the A414

Judy

2025-10-21 11:19:08

A major victory for Harlow residents? - You still support the dumping of 1000's of Barratt boxes in a noose around Churchgate Street. You say it is up to Essex to sort your problems and the gridlock that Gilden Park and Newhall bring to Gilden Way most mornings - OK - This is your chance - Tell us ANYTHING you are doing to make life better for those living in Churchgate Street. Will you being clawing back the money the developer has avoided by not providing bus gates?

Friday Smith

2025-10-21 12:55:09

Nimby Judy doesn't like new builds but doesn't mention the increased traffic flow due to the new M11 junction that is being used to cut right through Harlow both ways at peak times. The proposed A414 bypass near Sawbridgeworth should have gone ahead all them years ago. Harlow was built the wrong way round, etc etc.....

NickL

2025-10-21 13:06:45

I am really pleased about this as it is a necessary route. What does concern me though is the junction between London Road and Barnfield Way. The latter has priority but it is not very obvious when driving south along London Road. Someone who does not know the area could easily make a mistake. Also vehicles parked along the east side of Barnfield Way can make it difficult to see when it is clear. Could it be converted to a roundabout?