Bloor Homes plan for Pennington Lane: 'Win or lose, the village has fought its hardest' says Save Stansted Village

A public inquiry to decide whether land off Pennington Lane in Stansted should be developed for housing came to a close with campaigners against the scheme saying the community “couldn’t have done more” to fight it.

Save Stansted Village chair Jamie Hogg said: “Win or lose, the community can hold its head up high knowing it has done everything it possibly could. It's been an extraordinary response from the community.”

The five-day inquiry, held virtually and conducted by a Government planning inspector, saw Bloor Homes seek to overturn Uttlesford District Council’s refusal of planning permission for the developer's application to build 168 homes on farmland next to the protected country lane. A decision is expected by September 2.

Mr Hogg, who is also a parish councillor, said impassioned statements from SSV, the parish council and the village’s district council members had contributed to their strong case against the proposals.

“From a community perspective it [the inquiry] has gone as well as it could have gone, with people doing an amazing job pulling together, putting up posters, raising funds, doing surveys and a petition with 4,200 signatures which we gave to the inspector at the opening,” he said.

SSV’s arguments centred on loss of a vital amenity – Pennington Lane is regularly used by walkers and cyclists – damage to the landscape and education and highways concerns, particularly around Bentfield County Primary School, where much of the traffic would be diverted. Bloor Homes declined to comment.