In her June report, Cllr Caton welcomes the arrival of some fresh faces to the Parish Council
Fresh faces
Welcome to our new members Jamie and Ryan: it is good to have our numbers boosted, and we look forward to you sharing your views and opinions to support our community.
Out of special measures
Uttlesford has won back its planning powers in respect of dealing with major planning applications, with UDC commenting that this marks a milestone in the programme of improvements that have been made to the planning service.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced the de-designation on the 6th June. The restoration of full planning powers to the local authority means developers will no longer be able to submit major planning applications to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) and must now go through the council’s planning processes.
This will undoubtedly impact City and Country, if indeed it was their plan to go directly to PINS in relation to their application affecting the Metropolitan Green Belt between Stansted and Bishop’s Stortford – which includes Birchanger Parish.
Interestingly, I believe, the Solar Panel proposal being promoted by Columbia Threadneedle does not appear to have been raised with MAG planners as yet. One would have considered that, at least from a health and safety perspective, this was an initial course of action to pursue. We await further developments on this proposal.
Airport expansion plans
Importantly, Stansted Airport’s proposed further expansion from the previously approved 43m to now 51m passengers and 274,000 aircraft movements needs very careful assessment; and I suggest the airport Working Group and Jo – with her planning hat on – consider the further impacts of this development. These include:
- The impact on housing need through increased employment opportunities and the associated health and education needs etc.
- The impact on the transport infrastructure both locally and that specifically focussed on airport access and activity – including off airport parking issues.
- The impact on the environment and overall pollution.
- The loss of land in the green belt (M11 improvements) and brownfield sites through associated pressure for business development.
- The question of how the proposal by the Government to change flight paths (DFT 2/6/25) aligns with this proposal also needs to be clarified. This cannot be a coincidental proposal from the airport! Heathrow’s CEO has recently stated this proposal by the Government will unlock the economic benefits of an expanded UK airspace.
Liaison with UDC planners and Stansted Airport Watch will be essential.
No fireworks this November
Unfortunately, the Firework Event group, which is independent of the Parish Council, has been informed that the Forest Hall School location is not possible this year. This is due to work proceeding on a 3G pitch. There is nowhere else suitable that we are aware of to safely hold the event. Therefore it cannot be organised for this year.
Shop lifting at Co-op
Concerns have been raised in relation to more recent thefts at the Co-op and the impact this has on staff and the community. The Clerk and myself are hopefully meeting with the police at the end of this week, and will raise the issue with them and seek reassurance that a robust plan from both the police and the Co-op can address these concerns.
Committed to TouchPoint
Finally, a meeting with TouchPoint is being arranged to review our financial commitment and support to this social enterprise that continues to support ours and other local communities.