17 dwellings at Land At Sunnybrook Farm, Braintree Road, Felsted

What was proposed

The application proposed 17 dwellings with access, landscaping and associated infrastructure, without affordable housing.

“PROPOSAL: Erection of 17 no. dwellings with access, landscaping and associated infrastructure.”

“This is a full planning application for the erection of 17 dwellings with access, landscaping and associated infrastructure. Affordable housing is not proposed.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The undeveloped site lies in countryside between Felsted and Watch House Green, near a public footpath, school, bus stop and listed buildings.

“The application site comprises an open undeveloped land on the north side of Braintree Road (B1417) located at the western edge of the hamlet of Watch House Green near Felsted. The site borders newly erected dwellings to the east and shares the vehicular access and part of the access drive with that development. The site consists of grassland, as well as trees and scrub to the eastern and western boundaries and it…”

Officer report

Earlier applications and advice

Earlier applications approved nearby housing and shared access, while an earlier outline application was dismissed on appeal.

“Reference Proposal Decision UTT/25/0694/PA Residential-led scheme of circa 17 dwellings and associated development. Closed (21.08.2025). UTT/23/1412/FUL (Shared Access with this Scheme) S73 application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) of UTT/23/0364/NMA following approval of UTT/20/1882/FUL (Construction of 24 no. dwellings and school related community car park served via a new access from Braintree Road, complete with related infrastructure and landscaping).”

“UTT/13/2942/OP (Southern Part of Site) Outline application for the erection of up to 13 no. dwellings and related infrastructure with all matters reserved except access (new access from Braintree Road) and creation of extended domestic garden adjacent 'Moritz'. Appeal dismissed (15.09.2014)”

Officer report

What people said

The parish council supported the scheme, while a public objection cited housing need, affordability, highways, ecology, community benefits and overdevelopment.

“Comments from Felsted Parish Council: • Support: o Housing mix with more proportion of smaller dwellings. o Proposed 0.24-hectare land transfer to Felsted Community Trust for community use. o M4(3) accessible and adaptable dwellings. o To enable viability, a revision to the original Felsted Neighbourhood Plan Review desired housing mix and a reduction in the number of bungalows became necessary.”

“Object: • Parish Council nearly completed the Neighbourhood Plan Review. • 71 new houses needed. • Pointless to support 2 applications for 87 houses (including this) when the Neighbourhood Plan has not been completed and 71 units are needed over 15 years. • 41 homes by the same applicant of which none would be affordable (including phase 1). • Carpark for phase 1 still not open. • Unsatisfactory explanation for lack of affordable housing and change in housing mix.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Freeman, speaking for Felsted Parish Council, and the applicant spoke in support of the application.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the new Local Plan, neighbourhood plans, design, affordable housing, countryside status, coalescence, road safety and whether the application was premature.

“Members discussed: • The significance of the recently adopted Local Plan, weighed up against the support being given for the scheme by the local community. • The (emerging) Neighbourhood Plan and the ‘made’ Neighbourhood Plan and what weights they should carry. • Concerns about layout and design. • The lack of affordable housing (or justification for exceptional circumstances as per the policy).”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Pavitt proposed refusal and Councillor Freeman seconded the proposal.

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

Minutes

The decision

The committee authorised refusal of permission for the development for the reasons set out 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