25 private and affordable homes at Land To The West Of Thaxted Road, Debden

What was proposed

The application sought reserved details for access, appearance, scale, landscaping and layout for 25 private and affordable homes, including 10 affordable units.

“PROPOSAL: Details following outline application UTT/20/0264/OP for the erection of 25 no. private and affordable dwellings - details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale.”

“This is a reserved matters application for the reserved details of access, appearance, scale, landscaping and layout, following the grant of outline permission (reference UTT/20/0264/OP) for the erection of 25 no. private and affordable dwellings. The application proposes 10 no. affordable units and open spaces to the front and centre of the site.”

Officer report

The site

The site is an undeveloped arable field west of Thaxted Road, beside Debden, with hedgerows, public footpaths and open farmland to the west.

“The application site comprises open, undeveloped land used as arable field, located to the west of Thaxted Road, adjacent on two sides to the development limits of Debden. Thaxted Road runs north-south through…”

Officer report

Earlier decisions and changes

Earlier appeals were dismissed, while outline permission was approved; the revised scheme added central open space, separated drainage and improved layout and landscaping.

“Reference Proposal Decision UTT/25/1284/DOC Application to partly discharge condition 20 (archaeological trial trenching) attached to UTT/20/0264/OP. Refused (23.05.2025). UTT/25/0288/DOC Application to partially discharge condition 20 (archaeological trial trenching - written scheme of investigation) attached to UTT/20/0264/OP. Partially discharged condition 20 (14.02.2025).”

“UTT/24/3031/DOC Application to discharge condition 20 (archaeological trial trenching) attached to UTT/20/0264/OP. Partially discharged condition 20 (23.12.2024). UTT/24/2896/PA Pre-application advice further to UTT/23/0878/DFO (Details following outline application UTT/20/0264/OP for the erection of 25 no. private and affordable dwellings - details of access, layout, scale, landscaping and appearance). Closed (03.02.2025) – advice following dismissed appeal.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the details acceptable because the scheme would provide a well-designed development with affordable housing without unacceptable effects on character, amenity, highways, ecology or flooding.

“The details of access, appearance, scale, landscaping and layout are acceptable following their assessment in this report. Comments from interested parties have been carefully considered before concluding that the development would have an acceptable impact on the: character and appearance of the area and village; residential amenities of existing and future residents; highway safety and capacity; health of a protected tree; ecology; flood risk; and other material…”

“Consequently, when assessed against the policies in the NPPF taken as a whole, and as there are no other material considerations indicating otherwise pursuant to Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the adverse impacts of the proposals would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, having particular regard to key policies for directing development to sustainable locations, making effective use of land, securing well-designed…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three people spoke against the application and the agent spoke in support.

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant permission subject to the report’s conditions, with additional requirements for construction management, landscaping maintenance and consultation on lighting.

“Councillor Pavitt proposed approval of the application subject to the following amendments and additional conditions: • Condition to change the construction management plan to read “prior to commencement of the development” and add that onsite parking of site operatives including delivery vehicles should be specified within the statement to be submitted.”

“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 the additional items outlined in the motion above.”

Minutes