Decision details

Councillor Evans, the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Stansted Airport, Infrastructure Strategy and the Local Plan, presented the report on the Saffron Walden Neighbourhood Plan, which had been approved at referendum on 15 September 2022.

He endorsed the report and proposed that the Saffron Walden Neighbourhood Plan be formally made as part of the statutory development plan for the District.

Councillor de Vries seconded the proposal and reserved his right to speak.

In response to a question from Councillor Isham, Councillor Evans said locations had not been allocated for housing in the Plan but it had met the necessary criteria and the Examiner’s modifications had been included.

In response to a question from Councillor Light, Councillors Evans and Merifield both said that this neighbourhood plan would carry “weight” in planning terms.

Councillor de Vries said the referendum result clearly demonstrated that this was the wish of the community. He urged members to support the proposal.

RESOLVED that the Saffron Walden Neighbourhood Plan (Appendix 1) be formally made as part of the statutory development plan for the District.