Pressure to approve housing schemes across Uttlesford has been eased after the district council finally delivered its five-year building quota.

Members of Uttlesford District Council’s planning committee met today (Wednesday) and following their decision to approve four house-building applications the council’s five-year land supply has now been met.

This is a rolling target and the authority has to continue monitoring its delivery closely.

Councillor Susan Barker, cabinet member for environmental services, who has responsibility for planning policy, said: “Since the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework by the Government, the council has been subject to an extremely high number of speculative planning applications as it has not been able to demonstrate a five-year land supply.”

She added: “The fact we have now achieved this target is good news but we cannot rest on our laurels. It is now important that the council continues to consider and, where appropriate, approve development which is sustainable and meets our housing objectives for the next 20 years.

“This is especially true for proposals on draft allocation sites but others as well, to ensure delivery in the future and to ensure that the level of housing supply is robust.

“The council will continue to make decisions which protect our Green Belt, flood plains and the highest quality areas of built and natural environment.”

Applications approved included a 790-home development on land west of Woodside Way in Great Dunmow, 52 homes on a Brownfield site off Radwinter Road, Saffron Walden, and 32 homes on land neighbouring Hailes Wood in Elsenham.