240-home housing scheme at Old Mead Road, Ugley And Henham

“PROPOSAL: Outline planning permission with all matters reserved except access for the erection of up to 240 dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS) and vehicular access point.”

“This application seeks outline planning permission with all matters reserved except for access, for the construction of up to 240 dwellings, including the provision of 40% affordable housing (96 dwellings). The details appearance, landscaping, layout and scale would be subject to a reserved matters application.”

“The site is located on the northern side of Elsenham in the Parish of Ugley and Henham, and forms a rough triangular area of agricultural land, bounded by Bedwell Road to the south, the railway is to the east, and the embankment to the M11 motorway to the west. The southern boundary is defined by residential properties and the Gold Nursery Business Park. Existing trees and scrub landforms the northern boundary of the site.”

“The site itself is irregular in shape over an area of 13 hectares. The site is generally flat at approximately 90m Above Ordnance Datum.”

“Outline planning application for the erection of up to 220 dwellings including affordable housing with public open space, structural planting and landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS) with vehicular access point from Bedwell Road. All matters reserved except for means of access.”

“Refused, dismissed at appeal on noise disturbance.”

“In response to questions from Members, Officers made the following comments: • The mechanical ventilation was provided so that windows could be kept shut, there was no specific information given by the applicant, but this could be requested in a condition. • The application had been withdrawn from a previous Planning Committee and the recommendation changed due to the noise assessment submitted by the Parish Council which was then assessed by Environmental Health Officers.”

“The Bedwell Road site across the road from this proposed site was materially different from the application site. • A condition on layout could state that market housing, not affordable housing was built next to the motorway. This was on the basis that occupants of affordable housing were less likely to have a choice of where to live. However, the Officers opinion remained that this was not a sustainable development because of the noise impact.”

“Councillor Pavitt supported the Officer’s proposed refusal. This was seconded by Councillor Sutton.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to refuse permission for the development, due to the noise issues, which were backed up by the following evidence:- • The objection from Environmental Health. • The report from the Parish Council. • The previous Inspectors decision. • Other reasons for refusal was the lack of information regarding Ecology and the lack of an S106 agreement.”