Inquiry launched into rejected Uttlesford homes scheme

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will examine Uttlesford Council’s decision to refuse permission for 480 new homes.

The two schemes were proposed by Stansted-based developer City and Country and described by council officers as "exceptional" and "exemplary".

Tim Sargeant, chairman of City and Country, said: "We remain firmly of the view that Uttlesford Planning Committee's decision was fundamentally flawed.

"Therefore, we are pleased that the Secretary of State has called in the decision for review.

"Our proposals were recommended for approval by Uttlesford's own professional planning officers and would have delivered high quality designed homes, including 240 affordable homes, alongside significant investment in community facilities, improving infrastructure and transport and increasing biodiversity.

"We believe the committee failed to properly apply national planning policy and did not fully assess and consider the benefits of these schemes.

"This case has important implications for how planning policy is interpreted and applied."

The developer argued that Uttlesford Council’s planning committee disregarded officer recommendations and technical evidence, focusing on Green Belt policy and housing need while failing to fully acknowledge the schemes’ broader benefits.

City and Country wrote to the Secretary of State urging intervention, claiming the committee’s decision conflicted with national planning policy.

The two developments include a mix of one to six-bedroom homes, with 50 per cent designated as affordable housing for rent or shared ownership.

The schemes also propose community facilities, landscape enhancements, and key transport links.

The Stansted site would include a shop, café, nursery and care home, while the proposed Birchanger development features improved pedestrian and cycle routes between the villages and a dedicated Habitat Bank to enhance biodiversity.

Both schemes were praised by the council’s principal urban design officer for their landscape-led, place-specific design approach.

Additional features include a community orchard, the reinstatement of historic hedgerows and woodland, and a commitment to achieving a Biodiversity Net Gain massively in excess of 20 per cent.

City and Country worked with architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to develop the proposals, which are intended in part to address the anticipated rise in housing demand linked to the planned expansion of Stansted Airport and the new logistics park.

Mr Sergeant said: "We are disappointed that the applications must go to an inquiry, especially as it will prove to be both costly and time consuming.

"However, we have attempted to work proactively with the council and the parish councils to address their concerns while delivering the homes and community infrastructure that local people need.

"This case raises serious questions around how housing is delivered within the UK."

Uttlesford Council has been instructed to submit its statement of case by August 12, six weeks after the call-in letter was issued on July 1.

An inquiry date is yet to be confirmed.

City and Country said the housing schemes would help address housing need in the district, where 1,400 households are currently on the council’s housing waiting list.