Lib Dems oppose 800 houses in north Chelmsford/Broomfield and 3200+ in Springfield

6.14.00pm GMT Wed 31st Dec 2008

Coming soon to green fields north of Chelmsford

Liberal Democrats in north Chelmsford will continue to fight plans for an "urban sprawl" extension that will close the gap between the northern edge of the town and Broomfield parish. Plans for up to 400 houses on the edge of north Chelmsford and up to 400 more on the edges of Broomfield are contained in Chelmsford Borough Council's final "North Chelmsford Area Action Plan". The Conservative-run Council has published its plan for consultation until 16th February.

North Chelmsford Lib Dem Councillor Tom Smith-Hughes commented, "The Liberal Democrats have fought these proposals for years and will continue to do so. The burden on local services and the environment is unacceptable."

The plan also contains proposals for at least 3,200 houses on green fields north of Springfield to the east of the A130 Essex Regiment Way. Lib Dem Leader and Springfield Councillor Mike Mackrory commented, "The Conservative proposals will create a vast urban sprawl over what was prime farm land. The Liberal Democrat proposals for a new sustainable community north of Boreham on the old airfield (a 'brownfield' site) would have been far more sustainable and environmentally friendly."

Along with organisations like English Heritage, the Liberal Democrats attacked earlier Conservative plans to build around the Grade One listed New Hall. Cllr Mackrory welcomed this news saying, "Thankfully this aspect of the plan has been amended".

The houses are now planned to go slightly further north, away from the proposed railway station.

Cllr Mackrory added, "My real concern is that the new railway station, schools and new road network will not be in place in good time to support these houses. This will inevitably cause severe traffic problems throughout North East Chelmsford and Springfield in particular.

"This consultation process is designed to allow members of the public to have their say about the proposed development. We hope the Council will listen to people's concerns about green field development and further traffic pressures in our town".

There is one piece of good news, though. Plans for a cross-valley route over the River Chelmer have been dropped, following a sustained campaign by many residents, backed by the Liberal Democrats. Cllr Mackrory commented, "The impact on the environment and in dragging more traffic through Broomfield was never going to be acceptable."

The council's plans plus a consultation form are at: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=16352

These 4,000 houses on green fields are in addition to the 10-12,000 new houses that are to be built within the existing areas of housing by the year 2021.

Related Links:

PDF leaflet and map of greenfields where the Conservatives propose to build.

More on the ongoing Liberal Democrat campaign against overdevelopment.