DENGIE councils have penned a letter urging planners to rethink an intention to downgrade a busy road.

The United Dengie Councils, 11 parish councils in the area which have joined forces, have sent a letter to Chelmsford City Council

The councils have been battling individually to ensure traffic flow in and out of the Dengie is not "seriously impaired" by planned changes for B1012 Burnham Road.

Under the plans, the councils say, South Woodham Ferrers will lose its existing bypass which will be "demoted" to an "urban street".

The proposals include a 40mph speed limit on the road, six new signalised pedestrian crossings and two new roundabouts, what the councils say is "numerous impediments" to traffic flow.

The united councils hope to obtain a "fair and workable" solution.

After explaining the councils' concerns, the letter reads: "We therefore ask that you provide all the Councils affected by your plan with a workable solution that will improve the traffic flow around South Woodham Ferrers.

"Implementing the current SWF Neighbourhood Plan and the current Masterplan for area 10 in their present form will irrevocably disadvantage those dependent on road transport in South Woodham and The Dengie."

Read more: Councils unite to fight 'downgrading' of busy road (and claim concerns go ignored)

The letter was signed by Althorne, Asheldham and Dengie, Bradwell-on-Sea, Cold Norton, Mayland, Mundon, North Fambridge, Purleigh, St Lawrence, Steeple and Stow Maries parish councils.

Residents must send their comments in on the Masterplan before January 7.

A spokesman for United Dengie Councils said: "One sentence or just a single paragraph is much better than no response."

To comment on the hybrid planning application go to bit.ly/3yTshhT.

In their response to consultation on the application, Maldon District Council have noted the B1012 is the preferred HGV route for Bradwell B construction traffic.

Accesses into and out of this site, for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, and any associated traffic calming measures, should be compatible with HGV use.

As an example, it adds, mini roundabouts "should be avoided".

It also notes the proposed crossing points and says it should be ensured these "do not exacerbate congestion" on Burnham Road and that they are compatible with the existing HGV route.