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Local Plan
18 December 2024
Uttlesford submits Local Plan to Secretary of State
The Draft Uttlesford Local Plan, which will bring high quality homes, employment and infrastructure to the district over the next two decades, has been submitted for independent examination.
Uttlesford District Council submitted the plan to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government today (Wednesday 18 December), along with the many supporting evidence documents and more than 500 responses that were received in the latest round of public consultation held in the autumn.
This is the next stage in the process leading towards adoption of the local plan.
Now the plan has been submitted, the Secretary of State will appoint a Planning Inspector to review and assess it. They will consider whether the plan has met the legal requirements and tests of ‘soundness’ – to be judged against national policy, including how the council has consulted, engaged and worked with neighbouring authorities and statutory bodies.
Once appointed, the Planning Inspector will set out the next steps and timetable to be followed in the examination process. The details will be published on the council’s website, when known.
Cllr John Evans, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said “This is a major milestone in the district’s journey towards taking back development control locally and preventing more speculative developments that do not deliver the services and infrastructure that we need. This draft plan provides a clear, sustainable and forward-thinking vision for our area whilst recognising and valuing its important landscape and heritage.
“The submission of the local plan for independent examination is the culmination of many years of work by the council and follows several stages of public input as well as the detailed regulatory public consultations. I would like to thank everyone involved in helping get the plan to this point, including the officers for preparing this critical piece of work and all those who took the time to take part in the consultation process and to give us their opinions.”
For those of you wishing to view the documents online, please follow the link below:
Upcoming roadworks
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Advanced notice of M11 J8 night time road closures
UPDATE: Important roadworks information
M11 junction 8 and A120 fast link entry slip - LED lighting upgrades
The next phase is scheduled to commence on Thursday 30 January 2025 for approximately 3 weeks. We will work overnight between 9pm and 5am on weeknights only, weather conditions permitting.
Closures and diversions
To carry out the work safely, we will need to close the exit and entry slip roads on junction 8 and the A120 fast-link entry slip to the M11 and divert traffic as follows:
Closure
Date
Diversion
M11 junction 8 southbound exit slip
Thursday 30 January, 9pm to Friday 31 January, 5am
Road users should continue their journey south on the M11 to junction 7a, then return northbound towards Birchanger Roundabout at junction 8 where they can exit onto local routes.
A120 westbound fast-link entry slip from Priory Wood Roundabout to M11 Birchanger Roundabout
Monday 3 February, 9pm to Saturday 8 February, 5am
At Priory Wood Roundabout, take the first exit onto Thremhall Avenue. Proceed westbound to Birchanger Roundabout, then join the M11 using the southbound entry slip.
M11 junction 8 northbound exit slip
Wednesday 12 February, 9pm to Friday 14 February, 5am
Traffic will be diverted via the A120 flyover to Priory Wood Roundabout, then back to Birchanger Roundabout via Thremhall Avenue.
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Business Grants available from UDC
The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to support activities that specifically address the particular challenges rural areas face. The latest grant scheme will be delivered across Uttlesford, funding capital projects for small businesses and existing cultural, historic and heritage institutions. Projects must meet the key investment priorities and the defined strategic objectives.
Uttlesford District Council (UDC) are launching 3 new capital grant schemes with a total funding pot of £225,000.
These are:
• Rural Business Growth and Increased Productivity Fund • Rural Business Food Production Fund • Rural Communities and Tourism Fund
For more information about the grant schemes, eligibility and how to apply, please visit: https://business.uttlesford.gov.uk/rural-england-prosperity-fund
Cost of Living Support available from UDC
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The Cost of Living Support Fund can help those who are struggling to pay their Council Tax bill due to the increases to the cost of living. Uttlesford District Council residents can find out more and apply via the Council’s website: https://orlo.uk/M3dMP The deadline for applications is 31 March 2025.
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