LANDSEC APPLICATION FOR 1,200 HOUSES
THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE
REGISTER YOUR CONCERNS BY 5 JULY
Following our initial alert of 10 June, we have reviewed the now 204 documents submitted by Landsec in relation to their planning application for 1,200 houses between Dunmow and Little Easton – see https://publicaccess.uttlesford.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=QTEDV4QN02700 (or go to UDC Website planning search https://publicaccess.uttlesford.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do and enter reference UTT/21/1708/OP).
There is no need for you to review these documents. However, it is very important that as many as possible register their concerns. Evidence of local concern will be of particular importance if this matter goes to appeal which is a high possibility given that Landsec are cynically seeking to capitalise on UDC’s current lack of a five-year land supply to overcome the shortcomings of their proposal. In addition, Landsec have confirmed this application as the first phase of 10,000 houses at Easton Park under the revised local plan. This is the thin edge of the wedge.
The deadline for submissions is 5 July 2021. Comments should be made using the above link and reference. It is first necessary to Register and then Log In before going to this application when you will see top right a Make Comment button. If this does not work, send your submission to planning@uttlesford.gov.uk. stating that you have been unable to submit by the UDC web site.
The following are the key arguments against this application:-
- Further and excessive expansion of Great Dunmow. As you are all aware, Great Dunmow is already expanding at an alarming rate with permits in place to build some 2,000 new homes which will result in an additional population of some 4,500, a 50% increase on the current population of 9,000. This Landsec proposal would result in a further 3,000 people whilst the 148 hectares in question would increase the developed area of Great Dunmow by some 40%. If the additional 8,500 proposed for Easton Park were added, this would mean a further 21,250 people. So, a total of 9,700 houses, 24,250 people and possibly some 15,000 to 20,000 more vehicles. This historic market town would be swamped.
- Urban sprawl and coalescence. The proposal would remove the historic divide between Great Dunmow and Little Easton and be a further example of runaway urban sprawl in the south of Uttlesford.
- Access is limited and inadequate. The sole access would be by the High Wood Quarry entrance which is inadequate for a development of this size.
- Congestion. This access directly impacts the main access/exit from Great Dunmow on the B1256 Bishops Stortford Road. This access will already be overloaded thanks to current developments comprising 1,230 new houses and a major new school. A further 1,200 new homes would result in gridlock.
- Landscape. The proposal would destroy the landscape on accessing by Park Road the historic centre of Little Easton which is a Conservation Area comprising the Grade 1 church, the historic Manor and Barns, the lakes and the entrance to Easton Park.
- Infrastructure. The proposal would place an enormous strain on the limited infrastructure in the area including schools, GP surgeries and facilities.
- Agriculture. The proposal would result in the loss of further precious agricultural land.
- Decades of building. The proposal would result in decades of constant building.
It is also helpful to highlight the lack of sustainability in its three forms:-
i) Economic, where will the jobs come from?
ii) Social, a further 1,200 houses on top of what is already permitted plus the 8,500 envisaged at Easton Park will completely swamp Dunmow.
iii) Environmental, how can we provide for people’s wellbeing and protect our environment if such development is allowed?
But the most important is to submit an objection in your own words!
As ever, with our thanks.
The SEP Committee
23rd June 2021
VIEW AS EMAIL https://mailchi.mp/c0556b463586/landsec-planning-application-to-build-1200-houses-6489614
