The UDC Planning Committee has blocked the previous Conservative administration’s attempt to build on designated ‘public open space’ land in Saffron Walden. The land, owned by the council, is a half-hectare triangle of community green-space at the end of De Vigier Avenue on the east of Saffron Walden.
Richard Freeman (R4U)Cllr Freeman continued “In May 2019 the district council changed hands and it is now controlled by Residents for Uttlesford. Finally last week the planning application to build on the site came before the UDC Planning Committee, where it was unanimously refused. This was based upon the evidence presented, and the fact that the site had originally been intended for public benefit and not for housing. With the change in council administration to R4U, UDC has strengthened its commitment to listening to residents and is taking a tough line to protect our environment and open spaces across the district. Local residents can finally celebrate this decision.”
The land is between De Vigier Ave and the new housing estate on the Ridgeon site. The previous Conservative administration had intended to extend this road to build houses on the designated green space land.