An Essex council is set to vote on the latest plans for development in a protected area of countryside near Stansted Airport.

A total of 90 new homes have been proposed in Little Canfield, Uttlesford, by developers Welbeck Strategic Land, for land in the Countryside Protection Zone (CPZ).

Uttlesford District Council’s planning committee will meet next Wednesday (June 8) to vote on whether to approve The Squires development, which also includes plans for a new public open space and a children’s play area, according to a council report.

The CPZ was originally intended to mitigate the impact of the airport on nearby towns and villages, but since Uttlesford District Council does not have an up to date local plan or a five-year housing land supply, it is considered to be an out of date policy.

Read more: More than 100 homes to be built on protected countryside near Stansted Airport

Several applications have been considered for areas in the zone this year, most recently two applications totalling 243 homes in Takeley which were approved by the council on May 11.

A design and access statement for the application says the Takeley and Little Canfield area has been found suitable for housing growth because of its range of services.

A section reads: “By reason of location, the erection of the proposed housing would not promote coalescence between the airport and existing development in the surrounding countryside.”

The application is for outline planning consent, with details on reserved matters such as the appearance and precise location of the houses to come forward in a separate application if this one is approved.

According to the council report, the application is also proposing new road access to the B1256 Stortford Road and new drainage with an outfall to the River Roding.

New footpaths and cycle paths connecting to the Flitch Way, are additionally being proposed.

36 of the homes would be affordable houses, which complies with the council’s policy of 40 per cent for major developments.

The report continues to say the development would provide social and economic benefits, including “significantly” boosting the council’s housing supply and providing an investment into the local economy.

However, the Highways Authority has requested a Toucan crossing be built to help link the village to Takeley for pedestrians and cyclists. 

West Essex CCG has additionally requested a £46,290 contribution to local healthcare from the developer, saying in the report local GP surgeries do not have the capacity to cope with an expected population rise of 225 people.