In recent months and days, the very existence of Uttlesford District Council seems questionable. I am kicking off this trilogy with a slightly shortened account from the Bishop’s Stortford Independent by reporter Hollie Ryder. Uttlesford District Council: Residents for Uttlesford-led authority says it is facing ‘tough but manageable’ financial challenges ahead Uttlesford District Council is […]

Uttlesford District Council faces job cuts and service decline because the Residents for oUrselves (R4oU) [aka R4U] political administration has now put UDC in debt to the tune of  £275,000,000 to prop up their wasteful spending plans. That’s forty-five times the Council’s basic tax income; a massive mortgage on the shoulders of local residents and […]

A planning appeal began today about Bloor Homes’ proposal to build 168 homes west of Pennington Lane, Stansted and just north of the Bentfield Green conservation area. I spoke in opposition to the appeal and said the following in asking the Planning Inspector to dismiss the appeal. Worryingly, the QC representing Bloor Homes cross-examined me […]

The following information is provided by Uttlesford District Council Project Team Covid-19 Housing benefits and rent during the coronavirus outbreak Benefits you can apply for, how to apply for a council or housing association home and what to do if you are homeless. If your income is affected by coronavirus you may be able to […]

UDC briefing note – 3 April 2020 This briefing note is designed to keep you updated with what Uttlesford District Council is doing in response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic. The information here relates to the main activity that has happened across the council this week. You are welcome to share this information within your […]

The Liberal Democrats have published their election manifesto for the Uttlesford District Council elections on May 2nd: IMPROVING LIFE IN UTTLESFORD AFTER MAY 2019 AN AMBITIOUS LIBERAL DEMOCRAT VISION FOR UTTLESFORD DISTRICT It is in five sections: Growing local businesses and local employment Delivering housing that is truly affordable for everyone Protecting and enhancing the […]

The linked letter has been sent to The Rt. Hon. James Brokenshire MP calling on him to call-in the decision of Uttlesford District Council’s Planning Committee to expand the throughput of Stansted Airport. I told local newspapers this week: “The decision was made on national party-political grounds. It should have been based on local planning policies, […]

The Army at Carver Barracks near Saffron Walden wants to create an 8-lane, 500m running track to supplement their existing sporting facilities. These are used at times by members of the public as well as by military personnel. Last Tuesday the Full Council meeting agreed to make a £500,000 grant towards the new facilities, which […]

Uttlesford’s cabinet is to be asked on 10 July to release £200,000 of the remaining balance of money paid into a community pot by developers/homeowners living at Forest Hall Park, Stansted. The cabinet report is linked here. I can add little information to this report but would welcome views on how the remaining money should […]

Several weeks ago I made a written complaint to officers and the responsible cabinet member at Uttlesford Council about the highly unsatisfactory condition of the Lower Street public car park here in Stansted. The car park is owned by Uttlesford District Council. Yet the council has allowed the developer of the adjacent Castle Maltings health centre/supermarket/luxury apartments to […]