Two more victories for UDC and residents as 2 appeals for 300 houses refused in the High Court

The High and Supreme courts have backed UDC’s decision to refuse two unsustainable planning applications.

R4U’s Cllr John Evans, who is UDC portfolio holder for Planning and the Local Plan, said “Last week the High and Supreme Courts agreed with UDC’s refusal of 2 separate major planning applications in Uttlesford. This stopped the development of 300 houses put forward by promoters and landowners on open agricultural fields adjacent to Felsted/Flitch Green and Stebbing. Residents don’t want unsustainable developments such as these. They need good quality, affordable homes, with the proper infrastructure. This is a good outcome for residents.”

Cllr Evans continued “R4U fighting for residents to repel poor developments doesn’t sit well with the Conservative party’s overwhelming support of the £50 billion housebuilding industry from which it receives much of its funding – and so in a political attack, the government recently restricted the ability for local Uttlesford residents to decide on major planning applications. None the less, these outcomes, by the highest courts in the land, underscore the fact that UDC is getting planning decisions right for residents and that the Conservatives’ power-grab, that helps its developer supporters, is even more unjustified. And these aren’t isolated decisions. UDC wins 84% of its planning appeals and in December it won a prestigious RTPI Best Planning Excellence 2021 award. We will continue to fight hard to get the right planning outcomes for local residents.”

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