Plan for 150 homes

PLANS to build 150 homes on Ashdon Road in Saffron Walden have been submitted to Uttlesford District Council.

Residents have only two weeks to register their comments on the plans, which have been submitted by town planners Andrew Martin Associates on behalf of developers Old Road Securities.

The application includes provision for 49 affordable homes and commercial space on the farm land.

In a second application the developers are seeking permission to build a further 15 affordable homes at a site in Little Walden Road. The application includes space set aside for the provision of two football pitches, public open space and community use, and flood risk measures.

The formal proposals have been the subject of extensive pre-application discussions between the planners, district council officers and the town council.

The town planners state that the plans "offer significant community benefits to the residents of Saffron Walden", particularly with the provision of 60 affordable homes to address a current shortfall.

However, although the Ashdon Road site has previously been earmarked for development, the application is likely to meet some opposition.

Neighbours of the site have already been sent a letter informing them of the plans.

Tina Fiddy, of De Vigier Avenue, said: "I am not sure how to feel; everybody needs a place to live but I do wonder if our council will be able to deal with the extra houses. The added noise and disruption is also a worry.

"I try to remain positive about it and it could mean new opportunities for my child to make friends."

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I think it will be a nightmare - the congestion along Ashdon Road is already very bad and this can only make things worse."

Residents have until April 23 to register their comments with the district council.

The town council's planning committee is set to discuss the plans next week.