Campaign group urges the public to visit Easton Park ahead of proposals to build near the estate
Abbie Weaving
Published: 11:00 AM July 12, 2017 Updated: 8:22 AM November 1, 2020
The Gardens of Easton Lodge will be included in the walk. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO - Credit: Archant
An action group against the proposed development at Easton Park has announced a series of events to highlight the importance of the land under threat.
The Stop Easton Park group will host a hike around the historic Easton Park Estate on September 24, in an effort to show people how the development will affect the area.
Other sights on the tour will include the Gardens of Easton Lodge, its lakes, and grand manor house which could become surrounded by new homes.
"I think we are concerned that not enough people are aware of the threat as they should be and what they will lose," Vincent Thompson, from the group, said.
"The site was first mapped in 1594, and combine that with the conservation area, manor, church, gardens and listed properties there, I do not think it's been brought to people's attention."
He added: "Easton Park is a wonderfully rich and diverse area of wildlife, especially given it's been there for such a long time."
The news comes after Uttlesford District Council released a draft of its Local Plan, which defines ambitions for growth in the area until 2033.
The Easton Park development has been proposed as a garden community, and could feature up to 10,000 new homes.
Two other garden villages have been proposed – one to the north-east of Great Chesterford and another to the west of Braintree and east of Stebbing.
"I think it does not make good sense to build so many houses so close to the airport and close to Dunmow. Many aspects of the Local Plan have not been brought out or they've been done in the wrong way," Mr Thompson added.
"I think the trouble with new communities is they change the nature of the area very considerably."
"Putting one next to the airport will create a dormitory town because of the lack of employment nearby, and people will be travelling to London and Cambridge and blocking the roads."
Mr Thompson also said Dunmow's identity would be under threat, and that building at Carver Barracks – which is set to close in 2031 – would be a better idea
The group will also have stall at the Countess of Warwick's Country Show over the August Bank Holiday for people to view the proposals.