NEWS

An application has now been submitted to UDC to increase passenger numbers at Stansted Airport.

The application is reference number UTT/25/1542/FUL and is for:

“Airfield works comprising two new taxiway links to the existing runway (Rapid Access Taxiway and Rapid Exit Taxiway) to enable continued airfield operations of 274,000 aircraft movements and an increase in passenger throughput from 43 million terminal passengers to up to 51 million terminal passengers, in a twelve month calendar period”

The application documents can be viewed on UDC’s website via the link below

Comment or search for a planning application – Uttlesford District Council

The consultation period runs to 21st July 2025 – comments can be made on UDC;s website, sent to The Council Offices London Road Saffron Walden CB11 4ER or emailed to ku.vog.drofselttuobfsctd-2b9249@gninnalptropria – all representations should include the application reference number of UTT/25/1542/FUL and include the name and address of the person making comment

Uttlesford District Council has won back its full planning powers in respect of dealing with major planning applications – marking a milestone in the programme of improvements that have been made to the local planning service.

The announcement to “de-designate” the council was confirmed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in a letter received by the authority today.

It means developers will no longer be able to submit major planning applications directly to the Planning Inspectorate and must once again go through the council’s planning process. This change restores full planning powers to the local authority and reflects the significant planning performance improvements made over recent years.

Cllr John Evans, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “This announcement is fantastic news and a vote of confidence in the council and the significant progress that has been made within the planning service.

“It ensures that local voices remain at the heart of decision-making and takes back control for residents who can be reassured they are getting a planning service they value – one that supports appropriate major development whilst guarding against speculative planning applications that are unsuitable for our rural communities.

“However, we will not be complacent and will continue to drive improvements with our planning service at every opportunity.”

The decision to designate the council was made by the government in February 2022 and related to the number of major planning applications – classified as more than 10 houses or over 1 hectare – that were overturned on appeal.

Since then, the council has pushed forward a comprehensive improvement plan that has taken its planning performance well below the government threshold for designation. This has included member and officer training, a robust recruitment and retention programme, as well as enhanced performance monitoring and reporting.

In his letter to the council, Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, expressed his gratitude to the authority for its “proactive collaboration” with the Ministry and the “significant progress” that has been made in addressing the issues and sustained improvement in planning performance.

The Minister’s letter to the council is available to read on the website: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/planning-designation-notice

Chelmsford City Racecourse are inviting residents to a meeting at their racecourse. The meeting will take place at The Oak Suite, Chelmsford City Racecourse on Tuesday 10th June.   Arrive from 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start

The racecourse understand that larger events at the racecourse may raise questions or concerns for those living nearby. To address these issues and ensure that your voice is heard, they are pleased to host this meeting.

More will be learnt about upcoming activities, how they are trying to minimize disruption as well as their long-term plans.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions, express any concerns, and provide feedback about their activities.

To confirm your attendance, please use this link:

https://chelmsfordcityracecourse.co.uk/p/71L7-J09/local-residents-meeting

Light refreshments will be provided

Central Connect have announced bus service 333 (in replacement of the 133 Arriva service) connecting Braintree with Stansted airport.

Full details of the timetable, map and fares can be found clicking the link here: 333

and scanning the QR code.

Felsted Parish Council’s website has a page with information about planning.  It explains the role of the Parish Council in the planning system, how planning appeals work and there is a link to a useful guide to planning produced by CPRE and NALC.

Please click here to look at the page and find out more about the planning process.

This is being held on Thursday 15th May in the URC Hall, Stebbing Road commencing at 7pm

All residents are warmly invited to come along to hear updates on Parish Council activities and those of various local organisations during the past twelve months.

The Felsted Parish beacon will be lit in celebration this coming Thursday evening at the memorial hall playing field.

1940’s music will be playing prior to and after the lighting of the beacon.

Arrival, from 8.30 pm onwards
Proclamation 9.15 pm
Lighting of the beacon 9.30 pm

Words of remembrance and celebration by Revd Nigel Little, Felsted School CCF will also be attending the celebration.

The Parish Council are aware of an invitation circulating from Bloor Homes for a “Community Information” event at the URC Hall in Stebbing Road on Thursday 8th May from 3-7pm.

They are seeking comments from the community on proposals for a new development of up to 100 dwellings in Bannister Green.

Residents are encouraged to attend and to provide their feedback to Bloor Homes.

PCSO Natalie Smith will be hosting drop in sessions in the Royal British as follows:

Friday 9th May 6pm-7pm
Friday 6th June 6pm-7pm

These drop in sessions are an opportunity for residents to:
• speak with the local community policing team about any concerns that they may have;
• obtain crime prevention advice;
• stop by for a chat.

Please feel free to stop by, everyone is welcome, no appointment is necessary.

PCSO Natalie Smith will be hosting the following Beat Surgery:

Venue : The Wood Cottage Tearoom

Date:     Thursday 8th May 2025

Time:    11:00 am – midday

This drop in session is an opportunity for residents to:

• speak with the local community policing team about any concerns that they may have;
• obtain crime prevention advice;
• stop by for a chat.

Please feel free to stop by, everyone is welcome, no appointment is necessary.