ELSENHAM is set to take 155 homes and a 55-bed care home following approval by the district council.

The plans submitted by Crown Estates, which also include a community hall, on land off Stansted Road were voted through by eight members of Uttlesford’s planning committee.

The site, currently made up of mainly fields, will have one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as houses ranging from two to five bedrooms – 54 of which will be affordable properties. Play areas and an extension to the existing recreation fields will also be provided on the land.

Cllr Christina Cant said: “I am impressed by the application. [The developer] went away and listened to what we said. It does seem that the parish council has not been involved and I would urge to developer to fully involve it.”

Councillors did raise concerns, however, about access to the site but Crown Estates has agreed to install traffic calming measures on Stansted Road.

Cllr Doug Perry said: “There are some tremendous highways issues that have not been addressed in the application.”

Cllr Carol Loughlin added: “When you come in to Elsenham from Stansted, cars park on the side of the road and it is very dangerous with bends.”

However, Essex highways did not oppose the plans.

The committee was also in favour of the care home with Cllr Bob Eastham saying he was “happy with the provision of social housing and the care home” although it is unclear whether it will be private or public.

The developer will also provide money towards the village’s primary school and pre-school.

A spokesman for Crown Estates, which will also provide money towards the village’s primary school and pre-school, said: “This is a high quality scheme which will reflect well on this district.”