ROAD access to a prime plot of land has been approved by planners, paving the way for a development of 25 new houses in the centre of High Roding. Despite residents voicing fears over increased traffic and noise, and whether the village infrastructure can

ROAD access to a prime plot of land has been approved by planners, paving the way for a development of 25 new houses in the centre of High Roding.

Despite residents voicing fears over increased traffic and noise, and whether the village infrastructure can handle more families, Uttlesford District councillors agreed to stage one of the plans at a development control committee meeting last Wednesday.

Cllr Catherine Dean hailed the proposals as a "good scheme" and agreed the access plans including a turn off from the B184 and an un-signalled pedestrian crossing.

She said: "High Roding is lucky to have space this size within its development limits. We have received objections on road access but, in fact, less traffic will be using the road junction then before because it used to be a mushroom farm. I had no problem approving the scheme."

Out of the 25 one, two, three and four-bedroom houses that are proposed for the old mushroom farm site at Meadow Lane Nursery, 10 will be affordable housing.

The nursery ceased to operate in 1991 due to economic difficulties and since then a large portion of the site, including sheds, grassland and a pond, has remained derelict.

However, representing residents views, High Roding Parish Council submitted a statement condemning the plans because they would cause "chaos".

The statement read: "The parish council and local residents are extremely concerned about noise and traffic as vehicles enter and leave the site. There is a one way in - one way out system at the entrance and this will cause considerable tailbacks in The Street (B184).

"There is currently a traffic calming scheme scheduled for the village which will restrict traffic flow to beyond Roding Hall and the combination could create chaos. The development is too large and out of keeping with the village. There are little services and infrastructure in High Roding and development should be concentrated into Great Dunmow, Stansted and Saffron Walden."

With access now agreed, developers will start preparing plans for scrutiny by the council committee in the near future.

The only consolation for defeated residents is that they will be able to denounce the plans again at that stage.

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