Uttlesford's draft Local Plan has met with backlash from Liberal Democrats as the public is invited to have their say on the proposals.
The district council is currently consulting on the draft plan, and is encouraging comments up to and including December 18.
Cllr Geoffrey Sell, leader of Uttlesford's Liberal Democrat Group, urged residents to respond to the consultation, saying "it is a chance to have your say as to where development should take place".
The Liberal Democrat Group has raised some concerns about the plan - saying that the reduction in affordable housing from 45 per cent to 35 per cent means that 300 fewer low cost houses will be available.
They have also raised concerns about the capacity for local roads to take increased development, and the adjusting of boundaries for the countryside protection zone.
Cllr Susan Barker, leader of Uttlesford District Council's Conservative group, has previously expressed concerns about the impact of an increase in homes, particularly the impact on school capacity in villages.
She said: "The proposals will need many amendments to make them acceptable to the residents of Uttlesford."
However the need for a Local Plan is undisputed, as Uttlesford had its previous two plans rejected in 2014 and 2019, and its current plan was adopted in 2005 - making it 18 years out of date.
A spokesperson for Uttlesford Liberal Democrats said: "Without a Local Plan we will not get the infrastructure the district badly needs. Instead, we will get even more speculative development."
Cllr John Evans, the Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) portfolio holder for planning and the Local Plan, has explained the increased infrastructure which will accompany the plan.
He said: "The new housing will be backed by strong environmental policies, and along with it comes a third district high school in the south, a new dedicated sixth-form campus in the north, and five additional primary schools – all of which will create more school places and choice.
READ MORE
- Uttlesford votes for public consultation on draft Local Plan
- How to take part in Uttlesford's Local Plan consultation
"Also proposed are community facilities, new green spaces, and road upgrades – and allocations for local jobs, retail, and surgeries for new and existing residents."
A number of drop-in exhibitions have been organised so residents can find out more about the proposals.
- Monday, November 13, 5pm to 8pm: Priors Green Community Hall, Bennet Canfield, Little Canfield, Dunmow.
- Tuesday, November 14, 5pm to 8pm: Saffron Walden Town Hall, Market Street, Saffron Walden.
- Wednesday, November 15, 5pm to 8pm: Manuden Village Community Centre, David Collins Drive, Manuden.
- Thursday, November 16, 5pm to 8pm: The Dourdan Pavilion, The Causeway, Great Dunmow.
Further details, including how residents can have their say on the proposals, are available at www.uttlesford.gov.uk/2023-Draft-Plan-Consultation.
An information point providing a more general overview of the draft Local Plan can be viewed during normal opening hours at the district council offices in Saffron Walden.
For anyone unable to attend, the display panels will also be available on the council website, and a consultation information booklet will be delivered to households in the week following the exhibitions.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here