The latest planning proposal for 14 Cambridge Road, Stansted would damage the vitality and economic success of the Cambridge Road retail and business area. The site would be over-developed and put an intolerable burden on the public’s nearby Crafton Green Car Park because of a connecting pedestrian link. It would aggravate the chaotic parking demand in Cambridge Road. Essex Highways has failed to provide any assessment of the impact of this proposed development on parking, traffic congestion, highway safety, pedestrian safety, on-site turning space and capacity for servicing the residential and commercial buildings.

Essex Highways has responded inconsistently compared with other recent planning applications in the immediate vicinity, which is a cause for community concern about the objectivity and transparency of the planning process.

These are just some of the reasons I have put forward why the current application (UTT/15/1666/FUL) should be refused. I have said the application should be evaluated against current policies, guidelines and standards including the requirement for sight lines and access splays at the egress onto Cambridge Road.

The full text of my representation can be read here. The referenced Community Reports and an addendum can be read 1 here, 2 here and 3 here.

STOP PRESS (SATURDAY, 5 SEPT.): THIS APPLICATION HAS BEEN DROPPED FROM THE AGENDA OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE ON 16 SEPTEMBER. PLANNING OFFICERS HAVE LISTENED TO COMMUNITY PROTESTS AND REALISED THAT THE APPLICATION IS NOT YET SUITABLE FOR ASKING MEMBERS TO DECIDE ITS FATE. SEE POST ON 8 SEPT.