Plans for 78 bungalows in Cressing refused by Braintree Council

The application was for the development of 78 bungalows, 47 of which would have an age restriction of over 55s, largely designed to meet the needs of older people.

The plans detailed public open space, allotments, a community building and more, which would be located to the west of Mill Lane and to the north of Bulford Mill Lane, Tye Green, in Cressing.

Earlier this month, Braintree Council officially refused the planning application.

Plan- The building site would be in the field next to Bulford Lane and Mill Lane. (Image: Braintree District Council)

Why were the plans refused?

Cressing Parish Council has had "strong objections” since the plans were first unveiled.

Among them were concerns for “serious flooding issues” around the site, which, if the bungalows were built, “will exacerbate this situation and have serious financial implications for residents.”

It also said the “huge increase” in traffic would seriously affect residents, as both Bulford Mill Lane and Mill Lane, which are identified as Protected Lanes to the south of their respective junctions, are narrow country roads which in many places are not wide enough for two vehicles to pass.

Expansion- Cressing has seen significant expansion in recent years, shown in this overview of the Avondale site and the field where the bungalows would go. (Image: Google Maps)

Cressing Parish Council also referenced the Avondale building site on Mill Lane in their objections, stating that the lives of Cressing residents have been “disrupted” by the site for six years, and that “once again, Cressing is being subjected to a potential development that is not needed nor wanted in this area.”

The council continued: “The impact on a small rural community by more than doubling its housing stock in six years without any accompanying infrastructure… is unacceptable.

“For this reason alone, this application should be refused.”

Protected- Both Bulford Mill Lane and Mill Lane are identified as protected lanes to the south of their respective junctions. (Image: Google Maps)

Cressing Tye Green has seen significant residential expansion in recent years, with several developments giving rise to the addition of more than 600 homes (including those with planning permission, but yet to be constructed) since 2015.

Braintree Council said: “The proposed development is located outside of any settlement boundary.

“In such locations, only proposals that are compatible with and appropriate to the countryside will be permitted, and the proposal is not one of those forms of development.”