40 dwellings at Rush Lane, Elsenham

What was proposed

Reserved matters approval was sought for 40 dwellings, covering appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and internal road and footpath details.

“PROPOSAL: Details following outline application S62A/2023/0026 (UTT/23/2622/PINS) for erection of 40 dwellings- details of appearance, landscaping, layout, scale, and access for internal road and footpath details…”

“The principle of the development along with the details of access have been approved at outline stage, leaving the details for consideration as part of this reserved matters application being Appearance, Layout, Scale and Landscaping.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a sloping grass and scrub parcel south of Rush Lane, beside homes, listed buildings, a railway line and public footpaths.

“The site lies to the south of Rush Lane and comprises a sloping parcel of land consisting of 2.25 ha set mainly to grass and scrub and enclosed by boundary vegetation which falls down to Stansted Brook and the London to Cambridge railway line. A public footpath runs through the site in a north-east to south-west direction linking Robin Hood Road with undeveloped land further to the south-west to the rear of the new Elsenham Vale housing development.”

“A row of modern terraced houses faces the site along Rush Lane to the immediate north. A row of further houses comprising a mixture of modern and older dwellings, including four listed buildings extends along Robin Hood Road on the site's east side leading down to the railway line which has a pedestrian level crossing to enable pedestrians to access Fullers End (Tye Green Road) and vice versa.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

An earlier outline application was refused but allowed at appeal, a later detailed application was withdrawn, and outline permission was then approved.

“UTT/19/0437/OP - Outline application for the erection of up to 40 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access - REFUSED. ALLOWED AT APPEAL.”

“UTT/23/2622/PINS - Consultation on S62A/2023/0026 - Outline application for the erection of up to 40 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access – APPROVED (This Is The Outline Application Related To This Current Reserved Matters Application).”

Officer report

Concerns from local people

Two objections cited construction traffic, listed buildings, access, flooding, overdevelopment, infrastructure, wildlife, springs, railway impacts, agricultural land and missing features.

“A site notice was displayed on site; the application was advertised in the local press and notifications letters were sent to nearby properties. Two representations have been received.”

“Construction traffic impacting listed buildings and local infrastructure • Not in line with Planning Policy • Unsuitable access • Flooding • Elsenham is overdeveloped • No infrastructure to support homes • Impact on local wildlife • Impact on natural spring • Too close to railway in terms of noise and safety • Loss of agricultural land • Lack of bungalow provision • Solar panels and EV charging points should be provided for every home…”

Officer report

What members discussed

Members discussed the standardised estate design, solar panels, springs and longer-term landscaping, after hearing about improvements following an earlier deferral.

“The Senior Planning Officer presented an application seeking reserved matters approval for the construction of 40 dwellings, following the grant of outline planning permission. Matters for consideration are layout, scale, appearance and landscaping.”

“Members discussed: • The standardised form of the estate. • The possibility of requesting priority being given to solar panels. • The situation relating to the springs. • The need for longer term landscaping conditions.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application.

The committee vote

The Chair proposed approval with additional landscaping, solar-panel and springs-related items, and the proposal was seconded by Councillor Lemon.

“The Chair proposed approval of the application, together with including a 10-year condition in respect of landscaping, a condition to prioritise solar panels and an informative re the springs. This would also cover a satisfactory hydrology report being received.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee authorised permission subject to the report’s conditions and the additional items proposed by the Chair.

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant permission for the development subject to the conditions set out in section 17 of the report, together with additional items in the proposal above.”

Minutes