en.Wedoany.com Reported - UK Housing Secretary Steve Reed has intervened in a decision by a local council in Essex, which previously rejected two plans to build nearly 500 homes near Stansted Airport.

The two projects, located in Stansted Mountfitchet and neighboring Birchanger, were designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. Planning officials initially recommended approving both applications, with the council's chief urban design officer describing the proposals as "exemplary and outstanding."

Last month, the local council rejected the 300-home plan in Stansted Mountfitchet and the 180-home project in Birchanger.

Council members stated that the proposals conflicted with Uttlesford District Council's growth space strategy and constituted inappropriate development on green belt land. This was despite being informed that the sites could be considered "grey belt," i.e., land within the green belt of lower environmental quality.

Developer City & Country said the council's decision was "inconsistent" and failed to properly assess the benefits of the proposals. Company chairman Tim Sargeant added that the firm believed the council had not correctly applied national planning policy nor adequately evaluated the scheme's advantages. He stated that the case has significant implications for the interpretation and application of planning policy. Sargeant expressed disappointment that the application must proceed to a public inquiry, calling it both costly and time-consuming.

The council stated that its planning committee concluded the proposals did not achieve the planning balance between local development plans, national policy, and other considerations.

Reed said he would make the final decision alongside the council and has contacted the council for comment. The council must submit case materials by August 12. The planning public inquiry is expected to be held later this year.