Coronavirus

Building control

We will continue to assess all building applications in the same way and aim to meet our current turnaround timescales. 

If you are still undertaking building work, you must still notify us when you reach each stage of work, according to your Inspection Service Plan. 

We will be answering all queries on the phone instead of visiting a site in person. Therefore you must provide a suitable phone number. This will allow us to contact you to understand the full extent of the work needed and the site setting, as necessary. 

This will help us determine the correct response to protect you, ourselves and the wider community.

You can contact Building Control on 01245 606431 or email building.control@chelmsford.gov.uk

Planning

We are continuing to process planning applications as near normally as possible. You can submit new applications online using the Planning Portal.

We are continuing to send neighbour notification letters to anyone we think will be affected by a planning application. You can comment on an application using Public Access.

We are not posting site notices in every case, only where the law requires them. 

We are undertaking site visits where possible, but are not going into buildings unless absolutely necessary. We are asking applicants to provide photographs with their application. 

We are not able to offer face to face meetings with planning officers. However, you can meet with our officers online via Skype or Microsoft Teams. You can also request planning advice in writing.

You can view our coronavirus help and guidance for businesses and employers for details of Business Rates changes, business support grants and other advice. 

We are offering some free parking for NHS staff. You can read full details of the scheme and all our changes to parking arrangements.

You need to check with Essex County Council regarding their Park and Ride service.

You can view our coronavirus guidance for Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium.

If your income has been affected by coronavirus and you need help with your rent or Council Tax payments, we want to provide you with some information to help you at this difficult and uncertain time.

You can view our coronavirus guidance for Council Tax and benefits.

If you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and have been told to self-isolate, you may be entitled to a self-isolation payment.

For more wide-ranging advice regarding your finances, you may find this Money Navigator Tool produced by the Money Advice Service helpful.

Our Customer Service Centre has reopened. You can visit between 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, but you will need to wear a mask, unless you are exempt.

There are a number of elections scheduled for 6 May 2021, including the postponed Police, Fire and Crime Commission election.

You can see more information on our upcoming elections page.

Protections for renters

The government has announced new protections for renters during the national coronavirus restrictions. You can read about these new protections on GOV.UK.

Homelessness

As soon as you become aware that you are at risk of homelessness, you can contact us. It is sometimes possible to prevent homelessness with the right help and advice, early on.

Together with our partners Churches Homeless Emergency Support Scheme (CHESS), Essex County Council, the Police and other local organisations, we are currently concentrating efforts to maintain contact with rough sleepers.

We're also planning for more accommodation with the aim to manage the risk of illness and reduce the need for people to go back to the streets.

If you are a landlord or tenant concerned about the possibility of ending a tenancy and eviction, you can visit GOV.UK for support.

Our leisure centres have reopened for limited activities.

You can find out more on our sports pages.

You can find out more on our Licensing coronavirus guidance page.

Our markets are now open as normal.

All our meetings are now online. 

You can view guidance on how to join and view the meetings online as part of the agendas.

Chelmsford City Museum is currently closed and won't be able to reopen until spring 2021.

To stay updated, sign up for news at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/mailinglist.   

All tennis courts and multi-use sports surfaces in our parks are now open.

Our parks themselves, outdoor play areas and toilets are also open.

You can find your local park.

Knowledge tests

We have suspended all knowledge tests until further notice. We will resume these tests when it is safe to do so.

You can find out more on our Licensing coronavirus guidance page.

Guidance for drivers and passengers

We have produced some coronavirus safety guidance for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers and passengers.

You can view our coronavirus safety guidance for:

• taxi drivers
• taxi passengers
  

Chelmsford City Theatres is closed until further notice.

To stay updated, sign up for news at  www.chelmsford.gov.uk/mailinglist.