You are invited by City and Country to hear an update on their proposals to build 500 homes on greenbelt land between Stansted Mountfitchet and Birchanger. The developer is looking to re-engage with the public at a consultation event on Thursday, 18th September.
City and Country want to gather people’s views on the changes made to their scheme following an initial round of consultation on the ‘Land South of Stansted Mountfitchet and North of Birchanger’ proposal.
This drew over 1000 comments, many of which were critical of the home builder’s plan.
Like Stansted Mountfitchet Parish Council, which submitted its response to the planning department at Uttlesford District Council, many members of the public voiced concerns about the damage to countryside separating Stansted, Birchanger and Bishop’s Stortford.
City and Country say they have taken this criticism on board and worked with officers at UDC and the Planning Inspectorate to make improvements to their application.
If you would like to hear what they have to say, you can meet City and Country representatives at the Stansted Free Church next Thursday from 3-7pm.
City & Country Project
The text below has been taken from a leaflet distributed to households in the village by City & Country outlining the home-building plans for Stansted and Birchanger. The words should not be taken as an endorsement by the Parish Council of the project. They are simply to help readers understand the project as outlined by the developer.
Dear Resident
City & Country is excited to provide an update on their sites south of Stansted Mountfitchet and north of Birchanger.
Previously we engaged with the public on the proposals in November and December 2024 and had received around 1,000 constructive feedback responses regarding the initial development proposals.
Having reviewed all of the feedback received and following consultation with Uttlesford District Council Officers and detailed feedback from the Planning Inspectorate, we have made some significant changes to the proposals, including a reduction in the number of homes and extent of land proposed for development – all whilst retaining many of the community benefits first outlined in last year’s consultation.
City & Country is looking to re-engage with the public to get your views on the refinements made to the scheme.
Site location
The sites are located on the southern fringe of Stansted Mountfitchet, to the west of Stansted airport, and north of the village of Birchanger. Main roads around the sites are Stansted Rd (B1383) to the west, A120 to the south, and M11 to the east.
The plans previously encompassed eight parcels of land; the new vision has been reduced to four parcels. Land between the parcels owned by City & Country will largely remain in agricultural use with the addition of new woodland and hedgerows, as well as accommodating new pedestrian and cycle routes.
Since last year, City & Country has made the following changes to the proposals:
• Reduced the housing scheme from up to 1,050 homes to up to 520, whilst retaining 50% affordable housing.
• Removed four parcels of land from the proposed scheme with development focused on the most sustainable locations.
• Omission of the country park proposal between Stansted and Birchanger, instead retaining and enhancing the existing farmland character.
• Providing a mixture of new and enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes throughout the area.
• Introduced new opportunities for community-led gardens and open space, as well as the potential for new community village greens, shops and other facilities.
Key benefits
A mix of up to 520 homes, with 50% allocated as affordable housing.
Local ecological and landscape enhancements resulting in the biodiversity net gain of at least 10%.
New and enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes promoting car-free travel and safe access to surrounding areas and amenities.
Development close to key transport links and employment centres.
A mixture of starter homes through to large family homes, from 1 to 6 bedrooms.
Significant financial contributions towards local key services and amenities.
Economic boost to the local economy through job creation, and increased spending through local services, transport and infrastructure.
Potential to reserve land for retail and business uses, benefitting the wider community through provision of services and employment.