A 300-ROOM hotel located one mile from the outskirts of Takeley has been given planning permission, with officials warning that further development is likely to follow. Located just off the A120 eastbound carriageway, a site has been earmarked for the con

A 300-ROOM hotel located one mile from the outskirts of Takeley has been given planning permission, with officials warning that further development is likely to follow.

Located just off the A120 eastbound carriageway, a site has been earmarked for the construction of a four-storey hotel with a restaurant and car park, replacing parts of an ancient hedgerow.

Described as a budget hotel in its planning application, the building will be built on a large area of land that previously had been designated for hotels within the limits of Stansted Airport.

Despite opposition from the village's parish council, which questioned the need for further hotels with airport passenger numbers declining, permission was granted last Wednesday by Uttlesford District Council's development control committee. Developers Arora International now have a three-year period in which to begin work.

However, not all councillors agreed on aspects of the buildings' design.

Cllr Christina Cant said: "I am annoyed - an ancient hedge full of wildlife will be removed to make way for a car park. We should have insisted that the car park was shaped around it and keep the entire hedge.

"It is a shame because parts of it will be eroded and something else will be built on it."

After recommending that the council should give planning consent, Uttlesford's chief planning officer, Mike Ovenden, advised councillors that any land left on the pocket of land would probably be ogled by developers in the future.

"I would not be surprised if the council was asked to approve something on the rest of the site in the future," he said.

Takeley parish councillors are disappointed by the news that their village will be further blighted by airport-related development.

A spokesman said: "The proposed building is too tall and will have unacceptable visual impact. Illumination from the site will have a detrimental impact on the amenity of residents in particular around Takeley Street.

"The design is featureless, unsightly and totally inappropriate given the rural location. The drawings make it look like a prison facility."

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