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Search the Public Notice PortalA historic college is set to be converted and redeveloped into seven new large homes, despite concerns from residents, businesses and councillors.
The developer is planning the conversion of the Grade I Listed building into four new homes, the conversion of Abbey Barn and River Barn into two new properties and another home at the site of the former St Marks College, Audley End, just outside Saffron Walden.
The buildings were last used in 2020. The college was built between 1605 and 1614 by Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, on the site of a hospital belonging to a monastery for monks, which was dissolved by King Henry VIII in the 16th century.
The developer says the "flag-ship" part of the proposals is the conversion of the Grade I-listed main college building.
There will be a two five-bedroom homes, a four-bedroom, a three-bedroom home and other properties.
The plans have sparked huge concerns in the community. Amanda Murray, from Audley End Miniature Railway, said: "Our attraction caters to families, especially during the six-week period leading up to Christmas, and we also host Easter, summer festivals, Halloween events that contribute significantly to the vibrancy of the local community.
"Any complaints from new residents could threaten the continuity of these long-standing, community, and business events.
"More critically, I am deeply concerned about the capacity and state of the existing services, the sewage, electricity, gas and water infrastructure to this historic community which consists of Audley End Miniature Railway, Abbey House, Home Farmhouse, Audley End Village and the light industrial site operating in the old farmyard, are outdated, and potentially hazardous.
"The sewage plant is very old with external grey water and open plant is extremely obnoxious smelling particularly after a heavy rainfall.
"The sewage treatment plant is over 50 years old, dilapidated and the infrastructure that does not meet modern standards."
Arthur Coote, Residents for Uttlesford councillor for Saffron Walden Audley, added: "The impact of the introduction of noise sensitive residential development in close proximity to an existing potentially noisy business activity, could result in constraints upon the operations of the existing business."
The plans state: "The proposals would include significant works of renovation and the reinstatement of the listed building, removing a significant amount of inappropriate additions and interventions, which have been added over the decades while the property has been used as aa youth centre and a conference centre school.
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"Historical features of the building are to be revealed and reinstated to the betterment of the heritage asset.
"The proposals would also represent a windfall development of seven new homes, set against a back-drop of a historical undersupply of housing within the district and a lack of a current five year land supply.
"Therefore, the proposals would provide a significant contribution towards the district's housing supply."
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