Debden residents have won the latest round of their battle to stop nine bungalows being built on farmland.

Hybrid Planning and Development submitted the application on behalf of the landowner to erect nine properties on farmland adjoining Deynes Road.

In a meeting of Uttlesford District Council's planning committee on Wednesday, February 7, councillors backed the recommendation of planning officers to refuse the application.

The main reason for refusal was the impact the development would have on a listed farmhouse, as well as the loss of agricultural land, damage to the countryside, encroachment on properties in the area and inadequate access.

Residents also expressed concerns that allowing nine bungalows to be built in the corner of a 30-acre field could create a precedent for large-scale housing on productive farmland.

An amendment to an earlier application proposed that vehicles would now access the bungalows via a barrier.

They would then leave via a lengthy new one-way road running parallel to Deynes Road in the direction of Rowney Wood, doubling back and exiting along Deynes Road - where residents regain the right to two-way access.

The committee heard objections to the proposal from district Cllr Stewart Luck, Debden Parish Council, eight residents and a planning consultant representing the village's residents.

Head of planning Nigel Brown commented that he thought the refusal would hold up in the event of an appeal, as protecting heritage and the countryside setting outweighed the case that the bungalows would be a sustainable development.

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Additional objections by the committee are also expected to add to the case for refusal.

In a planning statement from Hybrid Planning and Development, they said that only one hectare (eight per cent) of agricultural field is proposed for redevelopment, and the proposal would address an undersupply of housing in the area.

They also said there would be "ample space between buildings to retain a sense of openness and suitable outlook for all".

The statement said solar panels would provide the majority of electricity, saying: "Each bungalow will feature extensive green infrastructure, including solar panels on the roof, in the courtyard and in the form of a solar chimney."