Issue - meetings

To consider application UTT/20/0604/OP.

The Planning Officer presented an outline proposal with all matters reserved, except access, relating to the residential development of a site comprising of 45 dwellings with associated landscaping and public open space. The site lies on the east side of Mill Road to the immediate south of Vernons Close, a 1960’s housing development, and comprises a field roughly square in shape with a stated area of 5.17 ha. currently out of arable production. A slightly larger parcel of land used for amenity purposes lies to the immediate east of the site with agricultural land lying further to the east of this, whilst agricultural land lies opposite the site to the west. A nursery lies to the immediate south.

A Parameters Plan (ref: 1123/002 Rev B) had been submitted with the application which sets out the framework for consideration of the proposal and which shows the disposition of land uses across the site between built form and open space areas, the indicated access point, likely storey heights for dwellings up to 2.5 storey, the indicative location for surface water attenuation and also a children’s equipped area of play.

An Illustrative Masterplan (ref: 1123-004 Rev A) has also been submitted demonstrating how 45 dwellings, vehicular access, landscaping and areas of public open space could be accommodated at the site whereby access is shown being gained from Mill Road. The south of the site is shown to comprise a proposed landscaping tree belt along the southern boundary which, together with new open space would, it is stated, make up to 50% of the site’s total area. A Proposed Access Arrangement Plan had also been submitted.

The application was recommended for approval with conditions.

Members welcomed the open layout of the site and the varied housing mix which had been proposed, however concerns were raised around the sustainability of the development due to the isolated location, as well as the lack of local amenities, public transport, and footpaths for pedestrians. They noted Essex County Council Highways’ comments that the location of the site was such that access to key facilities, shops, employment and leisure opportunities was limited and for the vast majority of journeys the only practical option would be the car.

Members also discussed the cumulative highway impact that the development, along with others in the area, would have on the Grove Hill junction and noted that the highway assessment had not considered the nearby Fairfields site which had recently received approval on appeal for over 300 new houses.

Councillor Pavitt proposed that the application be refused on the grounds of a lack of sustainability and the protection of the countryside.

This was seconded by Councillor Fairhurst. 

RESOLVED to refuse the application           

Speakers: Councillor G Sell (on behalf of Stansted Parish Council), Councillor P Lees and G Gardener (on behalf of Henham Parish Council) spoke against the application and A Butcher (applicant) spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Le Count returned to the meeting at 12:42