Council may approve revised plan for 344 homes in Shenfield to avoid appeal costs. Includes more affordable housing.
Brentwood Council worried about losing an appeal. They could face £500,000 in costs. An officer said the original plan met rules. She also said no experts objected. The council didn’t make a formal decision at first. People criticized the planning officers. Croudace appealed because of this delay.
Suddenly, the council accepted a new offer. It involves more affordable housing. An inspector will review the updated plan. It began on February 11.
A councilor said they improved the original proposal. He added the council and Croudace now agree. They can move forward with the changes. He defended the changes. The planning committee didn’t need to approve it. The appeal process changed things.
The council then reached an agreement. They modified their position. The council said the new offer helps families. They are on the housing waitlist. It is much better than before. Legal advice was considered carefully. They want the inspector to approve it. It includes more affordable housing.
This deal bypasses the full committee. Only two members will submit evidence. These are the planning chairman and another councilor.
A councilor questioned this process. It is odd the appeal goes on. The council seems to have a deal. He wonders what the inspector will review. Will it be the old or new plans? The council says members helped prepare appeal evidence. This led to more affordable housing. The chairman, vice chair, and planning head agreed.
Croudace wants to build homes near Officer Meadow. Other developers also build nearby. This will create 825 homes total.
Residents worry about traffic. One resident fears a “rat run.” It would increase traffic on a narrow street. He thinks closing a road won’t fix it.
He questions two new roads close together. They both exit onto Alexander Lane. He thinks that it is against the highway. He suggests changes to the Stonebond road. It should connect to the Croudace road network. This would reduce roads exiting.
He also questions another road. It runs from Chelmsford Road to Alexander Lane. It’s not needed because of drainage measures. Removing it would cut the risk.