Uttlesford's Local Plan has gone through to the next stage of consultation, but Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) has criticised opposition parties for attempting to delay the plan.

All Conservative councillors except two and all Liberal Democrat councillors except one voted to delay the plan - which would mean adding a further 1,500 homes.

R4U Cllr John Evans, portfolio lead for the Local Plan, said: "The new government housing targets were announced on the same day as our council voted to move the Local Plan to its next stage, called 'Regulation 19'.

Cllr John EvansCllr John Evans (Image: Simon Hawkins)

"It was fully explained to members that not doing this would switch Uttlesford to the Government’s new housing target regime, adding a further 1,500 houses to the Local Plan requirement.

"Failure to move on would also have added long delay, heavy costs to taxpayers, leaving our district again at risk of even more speculative development, and possibly leading to the government taking over and making the Local Plan itself.

"With capricious and political motivations the opposition parties however attempted a wrecking amendment, and when that failed just voted against the plan."

Liberal Democrat councillors defended their amendment, which would have removed 250 houses from the allocation in Takeley.

Cllr Alan Dean said this would "contribute to an urban sprawl and put huge pressure on the road network".

Cllr Geoffrey Sell, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, added: "The amendment was not a wrecking one. It was carefully considered in consultation with Takeley residents.

"Both Cllr Alan Dean and myself walked round the affected areas. 

"The amendment was intended to be a marker for the inspector that some members of the council believe there to be excessive development."

Cllr Geoffrey SellCllr Geoffrey Sell (Image: Uttlesford District Council)

Conservatives who opposed the plan also cited concerns about excessive development in Takeley.

Cllr Susan Barker commented: "The amendment was a Lib Dem one - nothing to do with Conservatives.

"I voted against the amendment and against the plan because I think the allocations in Dunmow are flawed - there are already 2,500 homes with permission in Dunmow unbuilt and I think the plan should have considered a small new settlement incorporating the allocations to Dunmow and Takeley.

"The allocation in Takeley is vast and all accessed by a road next door to the school! Chaos."

Cllr John MoranCllr John Moran (Image: Archive photo)

Cllr John Moran, leader of the Conservative group, added: "The plan as presented to full council had some 40 per cent of new houses being built in the parish of Takeley and many of us fear an urbanisation of the village. 

"Most of the infrastructure and social/affordable housing gains would also be in the south of the district with nothing for the smaller and larger villages in the north of the district."

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The Local Plan has now been given the green light to go through to the final round of consultation.

Residents have until October 3 to submit their feedback on the district council's website.

Responses can also be submitted via email or by post using a form, which is available at the council offices and at Uttlesford libraries.