Proposals
Delivering high-quality homes with improved green spaces
City & Country are excited to bring forward plans for new development at Stansted Mountfitchet and Birchanger which will deliver a wide range of high-quality new homes, including 50% affordable homes, to help alleviate growing housing pressure.
At the heart of our proposals for the site is the creation of a central green space for the community to meet, and to enhance the character of the rolling valley landscape with views framed from the high ground. The scheme will be designed sensitively around the existing important and historic woodlands, and the introduction of new landscape features and species-rich plants will enhance the biodiversity value of the site and provide improved green spaces for the community to promote healthy lifestyles and nurture well-being.
Additionally, the site has potential to create an exciting new hub of residential and leisure opportunities while respecting the landscape character for the local area.
Key features
Benefits for the new and existing community
We believe new development can extend and foster communities and provide beautiful and sustainable landscapes and homes for people to live. Some of the key benefits include:
- Up to around 1,050 new homes, with 50% being affordable.
- New walking and cycling routes promoting active travel and better and safer connections.
- A mix of new homes, including 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom family homes.
- New central community parkland for everyone to enjoy.
- Ecological enhancements to increase the biodiversity value of the site.
- Conserve and enhance the rolling hill landscape character.
- A sustainable location which is close to surrounding services such as a primary school and a village hall.
- Seating and new natural play spaces throughout the central parkland.
- New local shop/s to cater for everyday needs.
- Café and nature centre for the local community to visit, with the potential for new nature trails.
- Economic boost to the local economy through job creation, and increased spending through local services, transport and infrastructure.
The site
Ideally situated for access to local amenities
The site spans around 178 acres, and is located on the southern fringe of Stansted Mountfitchet, to the west of Stansted Airport, and north and northwest of the village of Birchanger. The main roads around the sites are Stansted Rd (B1383) to the west, A120 to the south, and M11 to the east.
The plans ensure that each of the development sites will be integrated into the local area, with improvements to existing and proposed new pathways and connections. The sites are already well-connected, with just a five-minute cycle ride to Stansted railway station, and with a five-minute walk to local bus stops, which will help to foster a well-integrated community throughout the local area.
Further information on the scheme’s details can be found in the map below.
New homes
Housing that meets local needs
The development will propose new homes, offering a wide range of high-quality family homes, and homes suited for first-time buyers, ensuring a balanced and diverse community that can cater to various demographic needs.
The development will meet the local plans affordable housing targets and proposed ‘golden rules’ to permit development on existing Green Belt, with 50% of homes to be allocated as affordable housing, addressing the housing crisis in Uttlesford district, which is currently under pressure to meet its housing targets. This ensures that the development is inclusive and supports a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.
In addition, the proposals include new retail facilities and leisure spaces to expand the benefits for the local community.
Retail and community spaces
Boosting local employment and creating retail convenience
A key part aspect of our proposals is the addition of retail and community spaces, such as a café across the development, to help create a sustainable place to live for new residents and increasing access to retail for existing residents. Not only will this provide greater convenience for local residents it will create jobs within the area, boosting local employment and economy.
Planning
Uttlesford Draft Local Plan
City & Country is proposing that this site should be included in the draft Local Plan for Uttlesford District Council, which is aimed at guiding development within the district up to 2041. The Council concluded consultation on the Publication (Regulation 19) version of its new draft Local Plan in October 2024 ahead of submitting the Plan for independent examination in 2025.
The previous Local Plan for Uttlesford was adopted in 2005 and therefore is out-of-date and in need of being updated. This will allow the Council to plan for sustainable development which provides housing and other infrastructure and which enhances biodiversity and protects the environment.
Indicative proposed timeline
How will the project move forward?
November/December 2024
Public engagement launches, including events and online survey to inform the local community and hear their thoughts.
Winter 2024
Review community feedback.
Winter 2025
Continue discussions with the local community about the proposals.
TBC 2025
Submit outline planning application if appropriate once community aspirations and national planning policy expectations have been understood.