Proposals to build nine bungalows on farmland in Debden have met with 'vigorous' opposition from residents.

The residents believe the plan could be the first phase of a wider scheme to create a larger housing estate, which they claim would "totally destroy the character of the village".

The application, which was submitted to Uttlesford District Council by Hybrid Planning & Development, is for nine bungalows in a corner of a field between the private road section of Deynes Road and Thaxted Road.

This site is part of a 30-acre field - known locally as the Post Office field - which is farmed under tenancy by Smiths Green Farm and provides crops on rotation, including wheat, barley and sugar beet.

Residents have condemned the plan as contrary to the need to grow more of our own food, which was emphasised by the war in Ukraine leading to a world shortage of grain.

David Rose, a member of the residents' committee leading the protest, said: "UDC planners have an obligation to take a longer-term view on the possibility that by granting permission for a small development, they are opening the way for further applications for a massive housing estate that would transform Debden from a rural and historic Uttlesford village to a small town, totally destroying its character."

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The committee said that the bungalows would make an insufficient contribution to the district council's housing needs, and that other successful applications mean the village is already making a disproportionate contribution to the district's housing requirements.

The committee also claimed that the site's location on the outskirts of the village and lack of shopping and medical facilities would make the bungalows unsuitable for elderly residents.

According to a planning statement, the development would cause only one hectare of agricultural land to be lost, and would contribute to an undersupply of housing in the area.

Each bungalow would be energy efficient, and the site was found to be suitably located with plans for trees to be planted as part of a landscape scheme.

Residents have until April 17 to have their say using planning reference UTT/23/0707/FUL.