As an Essex resident I can confirm the route is absolutely awful. I really don't see how it could have been much worse.
It's all on fairly major roads, like there will be about 15 miles on the A414 from Harlow to Chelmsford. OK there won't be any traffic but it is still dull, flat & doesn't go past any of the things that are worth seeing. It's also really disappointing that it could have easily routed the other side of Chelmsford and over North Hill into Danbury, so there was at least a single climb of note (and then you'd be routing back on much more interesting roads, over the River Chelmer, Hanningfield Reservoir etc.)
I would feel exceptionally aggrieved if I were an Ongar resident because by placing the figure of 8 where it is you effectively cut off all four routes in and out of the town, and ensure there will be a level of disruption all day.
I get that the size of it means it can't go many of the small windy lanes that Essex has in spades, but the roads it does go on don't need to be quite as major as the ones they've picked, and in any case, they then picked a pretty minor one from Howe Street to Chelmsford to Writtle ensuring carnage still happens.
As it is it is an exceptionally poor showcase for Essex cycling.