Plan for 120 new homes in Great Dunmow delayed
It's feared the development could harm ancient woodland
Last updated 25th Nov 2022
A plan for 120 new houses in a rural market town has been delayed by Essex councillors, who said there was not enough outdoor space for residents and warned it could harm an ancient wood.
Uttlesford District Council’s planning committee voted to defer an application to build 120 homes and a play area south west of Hoglands Wood in Great Dunmow.
In delaying a decision, councillors hope to force a rethink from developers Bellway Homes regarding the layout of the scheme.
According to a design and access statement, construction has started on 790 new homes and a primary school on a different site bordering the new scheme to the west.
A section read: “New family homes will be created in a pleasant environment that includes avenue tree planting, retained woodland and a landscaped frontage to the green infrastructure.
“The site is in a sustainable location that is well served by bus routes and takes advantage of the services and facilities already available in Great Dunmow, it has been designed in accordance with the assessment of the character of the town, and meets the district council’s development management standards.”
But the latest plans were criticised by councillors for their lack of amenity space and the size of a 15m buffer zone, designed to separate the development from the wood.
Councillor Richard Pavitt (Uttlesford Independents, Littlebury, Chesterford & Wenden Lofts) said at the meeting: “A great deal more thought needs to be given to how that buffer works. Perhaps it should be larger.”
Councillor Geoff Bagnall (Residents for Uttlesford, Takeley) said: “It feels too dense and too up against the woodland to me. It needs to protect the woodland more, it needs to provide more open space.”
He also said the scheme would be reliant on other developments for facilities and due to a lack of cycle or footpaths future residents would have to access those facilities by car. Access to the site by car is proposed to be through the neighbouring development.
Councillor Richard Freeman (Residents for Uttlesford, Saffron Walden Castle) also suggested future residents could be tempted to cross the main road, Woodside Way, and suggested a pedestrian crossing be put in place.
According to a council report, Great Dunmow Town Council formally objected to the scheme on the grounds it lacked connectivity to other sites and failed to promote sustainable modes of transport.
The developers have made a full application, rather than splitting their plans into outline and detailed stages. It is likely to return to the committee in the coming months for a final decision by councillors.