Essex village faces a new battle over housing

HOUSING protesters face a second battle against development plans on land surrounding their village.

Residents in Little Dunmow had already set up a 'Stop Little Dunmow Expansion Group' when plans were submitted for 3000 homes on a site north and east of the village.

Now the same developer, Chater Homes, has returned with revised plans for 750 homes on the same site called Chelmer Mead.

If built, the homes could replace 500 houses on five smaller sites in Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden, which are currently in Uttlesford District Council's proposed core strategy, along with a 3000-home eco-town at Elsenham.

Residents in the area are being consulted on how a new housing scheme might be developed, but Chater Homes managing director Ian Chater believes the smaller number of homes has many advantages for the district as a whole.

"The main advantage of one scheme rather than five small ones is the huge benefits it would bring to the community," he said.

"We will provide a primary school, which would not be possible with smaller schemes, to help reduce over-crowding in current schools. In addition, there will be a new village centre, including shops, recreation, new green spaces and play areas for children."

Mr Chater said that the scheme will also include improved transport links for the area and would be sensitively planned in both design and landscaping terms.

He added: "Consultation is at the heart of what we do and two years ago we promoted a scheme for 3000 homes in the area. The feedback we received was that this was too big so we have now reduced it substantially.

"We now want to see what people think of our new plans and we have produced three options. We want local people's opinions and we will listen to them."

Have your say at the consultation meetings on March 27

Little Dunmow - 10pm to 12.30pm - Brook Street car park

Flitch Green - 2pm to 4.30pm - car park to the right of Flitch Green Primary School