New development between Flitch Green and Little Dunmow is ‘not welcome’ - says councillor

Chater Homes and Home Group has proposed to build the houses along with a village centre, a primary school, space for community use and a GPs surgery, on Chelmer Mead.

However, concerns have been raised by councillors over the sustainability of the development and the impact it will have on the lives of villagers from Little Dunmow, Flitch Green and Felsted.

Chairman of Little Dunmow Parish Council, Jeff Thomas, said: “It is appalling. It is just a gross over-development in a rural area. I also do not think Station Road will be able to cope with all the cars trying to get out.

“It would be the end of life as we know it. It would swallow up the village and we would just be perched on the edge of this development.”

Flitch Green councillor Emma Nicholls fears that if the plan is given the go-ahead, the infrastructure to support the 750-homes will be “put on the back-burner” and warned that “Chelmer Mead is not welcome”.

She said: “We still do not have a shop, playing fields or a children’s area on Flitch Green. We do have a planning application approved to build all of this, but we do not have it yet. I can see this happening again.

“We worry that landowners try to get outline planning permission for a number of houses and all the supporting services get put on the backburner. Then they build the houses, something happens, and residents are left without the community facilities.”

Ian Chater, managing director at Chater Homes, thinks the development will benefit the surrounding villages.

He added: “With large communities does come the viability with the shops and the pub. All the bits and pieces you want to add to the community work when you have large numbers.”

Residents have until Monday (October 20) to voice their views to Uttlesford District Council (UDC) about the proposal. Comments can be sent in writing to Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden, CB11 4ER or email them to planning@uttlesford.gov.uk.