CAMPAIGNERS and councillors have opposed a fresh bid to build homes on an ancient meadow. Halstead Town Council voted against the application to build nine homes on Sloe Cottage Meadow, to the east of Sloe Hill in Halstead on Monday. The Hands Off Chapel Hill and Sloe Hill campaign group has said they are also stepping up opposition to the plans. Sloe Cottage Meadow was once farmland belonging to the 1st Earl of Oxford and Norman knight Edward DeVere, in the 12th century. It was originally farmed by serfs and slaves, and campaigners claim there is still a prospect of finding archaeological remains.
CAMPAIGNERS and councillors have opposed a fresh bid to build homes on an ancient meadow. Halstead Town Council voted against the application to build nine homes on Sloe Cottage Meadow, to the east of Sloe Hill in Halstead on Monday. The Hands Off Chapel Hill and Sloe Hill campaign group has said they are also stepping up opposition to the plans. Sloe Cottage Meadow was once farmland belonging to the 1st Earl of Oxford and Norman knight Edward DeVere, in the 12th century. It was originally farmed by serfs and slaves, and campaigners claim there is still a prospect of finding archaeological remains.
CONCERNED residents are breathing a sigh of relief after a three-year battle over a planned development came to an end. An appeal over a decision made to reject proposals for 40 new homes in Halstead was dismissed in what is being hailed as a victory for residents. Plans were submitted in August 2019 to build the 40 new homes on land next to Crowbridge Farm, in Chapel Hill. In February the plans for the development, which were submitted by Go Homes, were rejected by Braintree planners, sparking the appeal. The application was rejected due to concerns including the impact on a Grade II listed barn at Crowbridge Farm and the damage to the rural character and appearance of the area.