Our response to the Debden Conservation Area Appraisal:

To:  consultation@uttlesford.gov.uk

Proposed New Conservation Area for Debden

We wish to make the following representations:

1. The proposed Conservation Area has been poorly communicated, and many residents have no idea it is happening or indeed why. There has certainly been a lack of meaningful consultation. Who for instance decided on its boundary?
2. Why are Church Lane, the Church, Mill Road, the Mill, Rook End Lane, the Recreation Ground and one half of Deynes Road excluded? These areas contain significant heritage assets.
3. Properties within it will lose their permitted development rights. This will mean significant costs and delay in applying for permission to: build small extensions, erect fences, prune trees, install garden sheds and changing the colour of a front door.
4. It will also affect energy efficiency upgrades such as solar panels and external heat pumps.
5. The proposed area includes over 60 properties of which only 13 are listed. There is clearly a significant number of newer properties within it. Historic England lists 65 listed properties in Debden Parish, the vast majority of which are excluded.
6. It could lead to street parking restrictions. Many properties do not have driveways and have no choice but to park on the road.

For the reasons given above, as a Residents’ Group, we feel it unnecessary to designate Debden Village as a conservation area, introducing onerous controls when they are not needed.