Plans for 91 homes on the field of a former school in Saffron Walden have been thrown out by government planners after a number of concerns were raised about the proposals. 

The government Planning Inspectorate has refused planning permission for the homes at the former Friends School Field in Mount Pleasant Road.

The plans also included a playing field and associated clubhouse. This comes after plans were agreed for 96 homes, a swimming pool, changing facilities, and associated recreation facilities at the site of the former school in 2022.

These plans include the conversion of buildings and demolition of other buildings to allow for the redevelopment of the site.

The government’s planners raised concerns about the design, layout and appearance of the latest proposals being "harmful" to the character and appearance of the area, a loss of a significant area of playing field and a lack of an appropriate mix of housing.

Chase New Homes is behind both of the plans for the former school site, and on both occasions the developer bypassed Uttlesford District Council and applied directly to the government in April, after the council was designated - which means some of its planning powers were stripped in February 2022. 

The Planning Inspectorate’s decision states: "I conclude the proposal would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area and would fail to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area.

"Consequently, it would conflict with policies of the local plan, policies of the national policy, the district wide design code and the framework.

"These require development is compatible with the scale, form, layout, appearance and materials of the surrounding area as well as the context and distinctive character.

"In addition, proposals should preserve or enhance the character and appearance and essential features of the conservation area.

"The proposal would result in the significant part of the playing fields being lost and not replaced on a like for like basis.

"This is, in principle, contrary to the development plan and the framework. The council’s playing pitch and outdoor sports strategy and action plan 2019, which was carried out in accordance with Sport England guidance, reports a substantial deficit in football, cricket and rugby pitches when accounting for future demand.

"An updated winter assessment report has been published in 2024 which states a continued deficiency of football and rugby pitches.

"The pitches at the application site are not therefore surplus to requirement, indeed the 2019 strategy recommended that they be brought back into use to help meet demand.

"I have found the proposal would lead to an unacceptable loss of playing field without there being adequate delivery of replacement facilities.

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"In addition, the proposal would be harmful to the significance of the conservation area failing to preserve its character and appearance.

"Furthermore, the proposal would not adequately deal with biodiversity. Moreover, it would fail to deliver a mix of housing that would meet local need.

"As a result, it would be contrary to the development plan as a whole."

The  school closed in July 2017.