Final decision on Elsenham development delayed
Uttlesford District Council said open space in the Elsenham development would be “unusable” and could be at risk of fly-tipping, while windows in some properties would need to remain closed to meet noise standards.
A final decision over plans to build 99 homes near the M11 has been delayed after councillors criticised its “poor” design.
Comments from Uttlesford District Council’s urban design officer said open space in the Elsenham development, by Dandara Northern Home Counties, would be “unusable” and could be at risk of fly-tipping, while windows in some properties would need to remain closed to meet noise standards.
But the comments were received by the planning committee only shortly ahead of a meeting on Wednesay (February 8), at which the committee voted to defer the application to give officers and developers more time to fix the issues.
Speaking at the meeting, planning manager at Dandara Andrew Owen said the original permission, granted on appeal in 2020, contained noise mitigation conditions and the counci’s environmental health team had not objected.
He said: “The site delivers 99 much-needed homes, including 40 per cent affordable housing to help address the council’s housing supply shortfall.”
The 99 homes will be split between two parcels of land in Stansted Road and east of the M11. According to a council report, the scheme includes plans for acoustic barriers, particularly in parcel B, the closest to the motorway.
Councillor Geoff Bagnall (Residents for Uttlesford, Takeley) said: “I think there are too many issues for me where the quality of either the layout or the materials are not sufficient.” He later said: “I can’t support this because I think the design is poor.”
Proposing to defer, Councillor Judy Emmanuel (RfU, Newport) said there had been improvements in the scheme since it was granted outline approval, but said it was disappointing the comments from the urban designer had been received late.
Emmanuel: “I think it’s almost there and actually I’m quite surprised that it’s almost there because last time we saw it I think it was a bit of a horror show.”
According to the report, the homes themselves will be between one and five bedrooms, and will meet the council’s minimum requirement for affordable housing provision. The application is expected to return to the committee at a later date for a final decision.