UDC takes action to require developer of 85 home site to deliver promised community benefits and houses that meet national standards

The new UDC Planning Committee has refused the Detailed Planning application made by a housing developer of a large site in Saffron Walden because it failed to meet national housing standards and previously committed green spaces.

Outline planning permission for 85 new homes on the controversial site on Little Walden Road was given to developer Gladman on appeal by the Planning Inspector in 2017. Last week the UDC Planning Committee rejected the follow on Detailed Planning application (UTT/18/2959/DFO) because of major changes to the design.

Cllr Paul Gadd, R4U Leader at Saffron Walden Town Council, said “In the appeal decision the Planning Inspector was very clear that the Detailed Planning application would need to follow the Outline Planning approval. Instead a new application was submitted that redesigned the site. This new application significantly reduced the green space and proposed houses that were smaller than national minimum size standards. Saffron Walden Town Council filed an objection with UDC. Whilst UDC can’t overturn the approval by the Planning Inspector, they can require the developer to adhere to what was previously approved. It is not right that residents should lose out when developers seek to increase their profits by reducing the community space and building sub-standard housing. It is good to see the new UDC administration taking a firm line with developers and requiring them to stick to their planning obligations.”

About Residents for Uttlesford

Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) is the local independent party of north-west Essex towns and villages. Formed in 2014 by a number of residents’ groups, the party believes that on local issues residents should decide, not Westminster parties. R4U’s success has been based on the desire to give local people a voice and implement long range strategic and sustainable plans for their area.

R4U leads Uttlesford District Council (UDC). In its first election in 2015 it became the second party at UDC. In the May 2019 R4U gained majority control of UDC winning two-thirds of the seats. The result delivered the biggest loss of seats by any UK Conservative controlled council in the UK. In 2021 the party won half the Essex County Council seats in Uttlesford district.

R4U also leads Saffron Walden Town Council, where under its stewardship the council has rebuilt finances, invested in community assets, and won multiple awards, including the best run council in Essex. It is a minority party on Great Dunmow Town Council.

Residents for Uttlesford can be found on the web at www.residents4u.org.