As I write in early July a new set of road layout plans has been submitted to Essex Highways by the prospective developer of a health centre/shopping complex at the former Hilton Cars in Lower Street. The first design was considered not to be safe or capable of handling the expected volumes of traffic. A planning application could be submitted to Uttlesford by the time Link is published, though I am always cautious about over-optimism.

During July it is likely that residents in the three conservation areas at Bentfield, around Woodfields and in Lower Street will receive council letters advising them of the intention to introduce so-called Article 4 Directions on their properties. These orders withdraw normal rights of permitted development that apply to most properties; i.e. works for which planning permission is not required. This means that planning permission will have to be sought to alter walls and railing, replace doors and windows and change other features that would detract from their appearance within the conservation area. These orders would have been issued four years ago but for staff shortages. I am trying to amend the rules so that garden fences and solar panels are excluded from these orders. Residents will be able to raise their own concerns with UDC. One consolation for home owners is that planning applications in these circumstances are free of charge.

At June’s south area forum we heard from the district council about Neighbourhood Plans. Uttlesford is trying to encourage Stansted to produce one of these bottom-up plans, which form part of proposed ‘localism’ planning by the coalition government. The catch seems to be that Neighbourhood Plans are only supposed to be worth doing – they cost £20-50,000 – in areas expecting major growth (housing, etc) BEYOND what is already planned. With upwards of 700 new homes – a 30% increase – already planned and being built at Foresthall Park, I am advising my fellow district and parish councillors and others to tread with caution along this path.