Rochester properties secures planning permission for 50 new homes in Elsenham, Essex following public inquiry

Rochester Properties, advised by development consultancy, Pegasus Group, has secured planning permission on appeal for 50 homes on Bedwell Road, Elsenham.

Uttlesford District Council’s planning committee initially refused the application in July 2022 on the grounds of noise and air quality impact, contrary to officer recommendation. However, at Public Inquiry, Inspector Philip Mileham drew a different conclusion, allowing the appeal and granting outline planning permission for the scheme. The decision is particularly significant as Uttlesford District Council is currently the only council in the country under special measures, due to a history of having refusals of major applications later overturned at appeal.

The Bedwell Road site will play a crucial role in addressing the area’s housing shortage. This development will deliver new homes, with 40% allocated as affordable housing, in a district that has a significant shortfall of housing land supply.

Due to the original reasons for refusal, noise impact from the nearby M11 on potential future occupiers was the main issue at the appeal. While Uttlesford District Council decided not to defend the appeal, the Inquiry still considered the case in detail, and the evidence put forward by the appellant’s team helped to secure the Inspector’s support for the scheme.

Colin Hart, managing director at Rochester Properties, said, “Thanks to the team’s tenacity and hard work we’ve demonstrated that noise impact is not a real concern; indeed, our careful design will actually help to reduce noise impact on existing properties on Bedwell Road. Our thanks goes to the whole team for pulling together to secure this well-earned win.”

Ed Durrant, associate planner at Pegasus Group, said, “This scheme will not only provide much needed new homes to the local area but will meet a demonstrable need for affordable housing. Along with wider economic benefits through job creation and environmental benefits through on-site biological enhancements, we’re thrilled to secure approval for this exciting sustainable development.”