Regeneration of Ashdon Road

Acting on behalf of Ashdon Centre LLP, Carter Jonas secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the final undeveloped parcel within the wider Ashdon Road regeneration area in Saffron Walden.

The scheme delivers eight high-quality homes on a prominent brownfield gateway site, completing the long-term transformation of the former industrial estate into a mixed-use neighbourhood. 

The site had remained vacant for more than a decade following the demolition of former commercial buildings and sat as the last undeveloped plot within a wider redevelopment area that had already delivered new homes, employment space and public open space. Previous permissions envisaged retail and commercial uses on the site, but these had lapsed and changing market conditions meant they were no longer viable. 

Carter Jonas developed a planning strategy focused on bringing this prominent brownfield site back into productive use through a carefully designed residential scheme. Working closely with the design team and Uttlesford District Council, Carter Jonas led pre-application discussions, prepared the planning submission and coordinated the supporting technical assessments. Officers were supportive of the principle of development, recognising both the site's sustainable location and the benefits of delivering additional housing within the town. 

The approved development comprises eight homes arranged around a landscaped courtyard, creating an attractive transition between the surrounding residential neighbourhood and adjacent employment development. Sustainability measures include air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, EV charging infrastructure and homes built to accessible and adaptable standards. The scheme also transforms a largely hard-surfaced site into a greener environment, delivering a biodiversity net gain of almost 359%. 

The application was recommended for approval and subsequently granted planning permission, unlocking the regeneration of a long-vacant brownfield site and completing a key piece of the wider Ashdon Road masterplan.