Last year Bellway Homes were marketing new homes in an “exclusive housing enclave” at 14 Cambridge Road, Stansted before planning permission had been granted. Permission was refused – TWICE. Bellway Homes have gone away.

This week Mr Henrique Darlington, who is the latest potential developer (after Bellway) of the London & Stansted Furnishing/Your Furnished/Sworder site on Cambridge Road, has instructed a company called McFletch to move in today to begin demolition of the buildings. This was to be done with the knowledge and apparent acceptance of UDC’s Building Control people.

I intervened this morning and questioned whether permission was needed. I am now informed that Prior Approval for demolition IS required from UDC to ensure that such concerns as dust, asbestos and other environmental concerns are dealt with properly. Planning Permission may also be needed. There is no live planning permission for this site or any other approval for activity on this site.

If you have any concerns about this matter and about the future of this site, please let UDC Planning Department know. Maria Tourvas is dealing with the approval side. The enforcement people have been out on site today and will, I hope, stop any demolition work proceeding. My aim is to put a stop to “gun-jumping” in Stansted.

Meanwhile, work is progressing on drawing up a policy for this land to remain in commercial/employment use.