12 homes at Land Adj To 1 Myrtle Villas, Chelmsford Road, Felsted

The site and surroundings

The site was a grassland paddock with a stable block, rural surroundings, boundary vegetation, a footway and nearby public rights of way.

“The application site comprises land and a stable block on the northern side of Chelmsford Road (B1417) located within the hamlet of Causeway End near Felsted. The domestic stable and horse paddock do not seem to be in operation and consists of grassland along with timber post and rail fencing on its perimeter. A hedge runs on its northern boundary and a conifer tree line on its eastern boundary with a small woodland area immediately adjacent.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals included two closed pre-application cases, a dismissed appeal for one dwelling, and approved equestrian and stable uses.

“Reference Proposal Decision UTT/25/3086/PA 12 no. dwellings. Closed (23.01.2026). UTT/25/2418/PA Residential development for 9no. houses and bungalows (under 1 hectare). Closed (20.10.2025). UTT/19/0682/OP”

“Outline application, with all matters reserved except for access, for the erection of 1 no. dwelling house and garaging. Appeal dismissed (17.03.2020). UTT/0370/12/FUL Proposed erection of domestic stable. Approved with conditions (03.05.2012).”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative spoke against the application and the agent spoke in support.

What members debated

Members discussed planning balance, support for Local Plan policies, neighbourhood plan weight, countryside definitions, parking, refuse servicing and flooding.

“Members discussed: • The tilted balance weightings. • The need to support Local Plan policies. • The (emerging) Neighbourhood Plan and the ‘made’ Neighbourhood Plan and what weights they should carry. • The fact that the proposal was considered to be in Open Countryside and the definitions in the Uttlesford Design Code SPD, the Local Plan wording in CP3 and ways to construe it. • Parking provision and how the site would be serviced by bin lorries.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Driscoll proposed refusal and Councillor Haynes seconded the motion.

“Councillor Driscoll proposed refusal of the application on the grounds as detailed in the Addendum List.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee authorised refusal of permission for the development for the reasons in the Addendum List.

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to refuse permission for the development for the reasons set out in the Addendum List.”

Minutes