Campaigners in Essex say that a new development proposed for land near Stansted Airport is “fundamentally misconceived.”

The Stop Easton Park group are trying to prevent the creation of a new town near Great Dunmow in Essex.

The project forms part of Uttlesford District Council’s (UDC) Local Plan and will comprise of 10,000 new homes of which 1,925 will be built by 2033.

The council say there will also be a number of services and facilities including schools , shops, and leisure facilities. Work on the new development would not commence until 2022 or 2023.

“We understand the need for houses. We understand that UDC must build houses,” said the Stop Easton Park group, “But Easton Park is the wrong place to attempt a major new town.”

In particular the campaigners question why Easton Park will be located so closely to nearby Great Dunmow.

One of the group’s main problems with the development is its proximity to Stansted and the impact of noise and pollution to those that end up living there.

In their proposed Local Plan UDC suggest the proximity of the airport will be a benefit rather than problem.

“This garden community will take advantage of its proximity to

London Stansted Airport both for employment and as a transport hub in the A120 corridor.

More generally the group are also concerned about the way the development has been handled by Uttlesford District Council and whether anyone would want to live in the new town.

Chair of Stop Easton Park Vincent Thompson said “UDC seems determined to create a white elephant built on a house of cards”.

Finally they say that a 700 year old park and 1,700 acres of prime arable land will be lost if the development goes ahead but UDC’s proposed local plan intimates that the council are aware of such problems saying their policy includes “appropriate wording to mitigate landscape and heritage impacts.”

An Uttlesford District Council spokesman said: “We would encourage anyone with an interest in the Local Plan to make their comments by 5pm on 13 August.

“The best way to register views is via www.uttlesford.gov.uk/draftplan2018.

“All the comments received will then be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration.”