Plans unveiled for 1,000 homes on green belt land

A total of 1,050 homes have been planned for land in Birchanger near Stansted Mountfitchett (pictured)

Initial plans have been unveiled for a 1,000-home estate to be built on green belt land.

Developer City and Country is behind proposals for the land located south of Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, and north of Birchanger village.

The company wants the development to be included in Uttlesford District Council's local plan, which sets out where 14,000 homes should be built.

Residents have been encouraged to give their views on the proposal during a consultation process.

Blueprints published by the developer showed half of the 1,050 homes would be classed as affordable.

The development would be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties, as well as shops, walking routes and what it described as a "nature centre".

City and Country believes its plan will address a housing crisis

The consultation website said new homes would help to address a "housing crisis" in the area and that plans would be submitted to the council in 2025.

"We believe new development can extend and foster communities and provide beautiful and sustainable landscapes and homes for people to live," it read.

Reacting to the plans being made public, Stansted Mountfitchet Parish Council said it would formulate its position during a meeting on 11 December.

The authority said the impact any development would have on the area's green belt would prove a key factor.

The government says developers and councils can build on green belt land under "very special circumstances", such as if there is a shortage of affordable homes in the area.