Council backs down amid appeal risk. Croudace’s revised housing plan approved despite earlier inaction.
Kathryn Williams said the plan met all rules. No advisors had any objections. The council didn’t make a decision; this angered some elected officials.
Croudace could then appeal due to no decision. The council now accepts a revised homes offer, and it wants the inspector to approve this new plan.
Phil Mynott said they improved the original plan, though some people still might not think it’s enough. He defended changing the plan without the whole committee.
He said the appeal changed things. The council had to form a modified view of their offer. They couldn’t keep asking the committee.
The offer better meets housing needs. It is a big improvement, the council stated. The council weighed the offer’s benefits against the appeal’s risks.
They decided to take the revised deal. The council will ask the inspector for approval. This grants permission with more affordable housing.
The committee won’t review this deal. It will be appeal evidence instead. Only two members will submit evidence.
One long-standing councillor is wondering about the process. Keith Parker finds the situation strange; the inspector is reviewing a non-decision.
Parker wonders what the inspector will decide, will they focus on inaction or new plans? The council says members helped prep for the appeal.
This led to the higher housing offer. The chair, vice chair, and planning head agreed.
Croudace wants 344 homes plus a school. The site is near Chelmsford Road. It is called Officer Meadow.
Other builders are developing nearby plots. Countryside, Redrow, and Stonebond are involved. There will be 825 homes total.