PLANS for almost 500 new homes could lead to “severe” road congestion and “service breakdown”, for “overstretched” schools and doctors surgeries, worried residents say reports Local Democracy Reporter.

Campaigners have raised serious fears about the plans by City & Country for 480 new homes across sites that are north of Birchanger and south of Stansted Mountfitchet. The Birchanger and Stansted Green Belt Preservation Group strongly opposes plans for the housing development.

The plans include one to six-bedroom homes and 50 per cent will be affordable through affordable rent and affordable home ownership. The development is also set to see some of the land staying at farmland, a community orchard and the reinstatement of historic woodland and hedgerows.

The Birchanger and Stansted Green Belt Preservation Group said: “It threatens the very purpose of the greenbelt, which is to prevent urban sprawl and protect the rural character of our villages. We urge residents, businesses, community groups, councillors and MPs to object to these plans. Every objection counts. This is about protecting our countryside, communities and quality of life.

“The group also challenges the developer’s claims of sustainability and housing needs. Building on undeveloped greenbelt land cannot be considered sustainable. True sustainability prioritises brownfield regeneration, not sacrificing farmland and wildlife habitats.

“Construction is expected to last eight years, bringing noise, dust, traffic and health risks. Roads, schools, GP surgeries and utilities are overstretched, with no credible upgrades proposed. Combined with other large-scale developments, this could lead to severe congestion and service breakdown.”

Simon Vernon-Harcourt, design and planning director at City & Country, said: “Located close to rail and road links to London and Cambridge and the key employment centre of Stansted Airport, these developments will address urgent local housing need. Uttlesford has a growing housing waiting list of over 1,400 households, 50 per cent of our proposed homes will be classed as affordable, providing affordable rented and discount market homes to help people get onto the housing ladder.

“To protect the purposes of the surrounding greenbelt, the wider development proposals will enhance the existing farmland, by reinstating historic woodland, hedgerows and meadows that have been lost over time, and preserving existing habitats. This will create a legally protected habitat bank, maintaining the rural separation between the villages and preventing urban sprawl. Included in these plans are 16km of new and improved walking and cycling routes.

“An extensive transport assessment has been undertaken which proposes highway improvements to mitigate the impact on traffic and improve safety for all road users. Likewise, the drainage strategy is designed in accordance with national requirements to ensure no increase in flood risk, taking into account increased rainfall owing to climate change. These improvements, along with financial contributions to services such as education and healthcare will be agreed with the relevant local authorities and secured by planning conditions and a Section 106 agreement.”