PLANS for more housing in Newhall were approved by Harlow Council’s planning committee on Wednesday night.

The application was for 49 more homes in Newhall.

The application was what is called a “reserved matter”. that is to say, overall planning permission for the general area had already been give. This application went into specifics.

The site is located to the south of Round House Way, to the east of its junction with Bunting Street and west of Magpie Road.

It is comprised of an open area which has been cleared ready for development.

The council officer informed the meeting that only 16% of the properties would be “affordable”. They were eight two-bedroomed houses.

A number of residents spoke against the application.

One resident said: “This could mean an extra 250 vehicles in the area….The consultation has been very poor with just a random leaflet put through doors. Perhaps that is why they have only had 46 responses”.

Another resident, Sheila Sullivan said: “They are shoe-horning these houses into a small space. What were supposed to be green open spaces will be car parks.”

All the councillors that spoke seemed less than enthused for the application but were well aware that their hands were effectively tied.

Cllr Mike Danvers said: “The whole Newhall project seems to have lost its way. It made a good start but now seems to be about cramming houses into small spaces.

Six councillors voted for the application and one against.

Film of the meeting can be found below.