Environmental considerations
Sustainable design and travel
Creating a place that has strong sustainable credentials is important to us; all homes will be fossil fuel free and will meet the latest Building Regulations that require enhancement over earlier homes. Solar panels and the latest heating methods will be carefully integrated into the designs, with the orientation and glazing of each home optimised to maximise natural daylight while helping to regulate indoor temperatures throughout the seasons. Additionally, all homes will also have EV charging points.
Sustainable methods of car-free travel will be promoted through new and enhanced walking and cycling routes that will connect with existing infrastructure. Feedback to our initial proposals have shown that improved cycle routes are a much-wanted addition to the village. This not only reduces the carbon footprint and a reliance on private vehicles, but it also encourages a healthier lifestyle among residents.
A landscape-led approach
Enhancing public spaces for the wildlife to thrive
A key aspect of this development is its landscape-led approach, to ensure the development respects the unique character of the surrounding built-up area. Our approach also seeks to utilise existing valued landscape features and characters, including existing woodlands, whilst enhancing the wildlife habitat and existing landscape.
The design, brought forward by FeildenCleggBradley Studios, will respect the local landscape character that surrounds Stansted Mountfitchet and Birchanger. This will ensure that the development integrates seamlessly with the existing village fabric and will introduce new high-quality placemaking principles under its exemplary design approach.
City & Country are now also proposing an enhancement of the agricultural landscape with the replanning of Tot Grove, the replacement of lost hedgerows and the introduction of new east west paths as well as a new parallel path to Tot Lane. All of which will help restore the traditional landscape of the area and greatly enhance the footpath network to the local primary and secondary schools. These improved linkages will retain and enhance the traditional rural character whilst encouraging a healthy lifestyle and reducing the need for car journeys.
Landscape proposals
Potential benefits of the proposed
landscaping strategy
- Protect and improve existing landscapes, including trees, plants, and green spaces.
- Introduce significant new public open green spaces for new and existing residents to enjoy within each proposed site.
- Provide new community gardens and children’s play areas.
- Provide better walking and cycling routes across the neighbouring farmland to link Birchanger with Stansted Mountfitchet Railway Station and other amenities.
- Landscape proposals to contribute towards at least a 20% biodiversity net gain.
Re-establish historic woodlands – open to recreational use.
Sites for dedicated areas will be chosen to enhance the wider built environment. 
Opportunities to diversify the productive landscape with agroforestry. 
Opportunities to create communities spaces with meadows and orchards.
Re-establish historic hedge lines.
New active travel routes – dedicated surfaced pedestrian cycleways. These will connect north to Stansted and east to Parsonage Way. A wider network of permissive footpaths will be created to allow greater connectivity to the farmland landscape. 
Forest Hall School & Leisure Centre
Parsonage Farm Business Centre
Birchanger Sports & Social Club
Birchanger Primary School
Birchanger play park
Birchanger Woods
Sion Park
Pedestrian & cycle path
Bridleway
Footpath
Proposed new footpath
Connection to station
New connection into the network
Enhanced woodland