Stop Easton Park and the Local Plan Announcement

STOP EASTON PARK – INSPECTORS’ REPORT ON DRAFT LOCAL PLAN

As many of you will know, on 23 January Uttlesford District Council announced that they had received on 16 January the Inspectors’ final report which formally concludes the examination of the Uttlesford Local Plan 2021-41, see:- https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/LP-inspectors-report. The Inspectors confirm that, subject to the incorporation of certain ‘main modifications’, the plan is sound, legally compliant and ready for adoption.

The plan will now go through the various steps required for approval by UDC but it seems highly likely that the plan will be formally adopted before Easter. Whilst inevitably there will be some with reservations about aspects of the plan, to have a formal plan in place at long last to stem the rampant development from which the district has suffered in recent years can only be seen as a major advantage. Our congratulations and thanks to the Councillors and Executives who have put so much time and energy into achieving a viable plan.

It is also a major step forward for our campaign for the restoration of the ancient deer park of Easton Park both since the area has not been allocated for development and because of the commitment given in para 6.69 of the Local Plan which reads as follows:-

“On the north-western side of Great Dunmow are the historic

gardens of Easton Lodge and Easton Lodge Estate. It is in

this area that the Council retains its commitment to create

a country park over this or the next Plan period. Steeped

in local cultural history, it includes the ancient deer park,

listed buildings, conservation area and the listed Gardens

of Easton Lodge. The Trustees of the Gardens of Easton

Lodge Preservation Trust have expressed concern over

increasing demand to access the gardens, which cannot

be met with the current facilities or major change to the

operating model. Absorption into a public park facility would

address this pressure on a unique green and potentially

public resource.”

SEP will now seek to engage with Landsec, as we did in August 2020 following the withdrawal of the last draft Local Plan to encourage them to support the restoration of Easton Park as being the most constructive use of the asset they acquired back in 2004.

The SEP Committee – Contacts: Vincent Thompson 07967 481414 & Andy Dodsley 07789 223205

www.stopeastonpark.co.uk    Email: stopeastonpark@gmail.com

SEP is committed to the protection of Easton Park for future generations. et your friends to sign up for SEP on http://eepurl.com/cSqNTb and get them to join our membership and donation scheme