Securing a Site Allocation in the Danbury Neighbourhood Plan
How a multi-year strategy of engagement with Danbury Parish Council secured a residential site allocation for land at Mayes Lane in the adopted Danbury Neighbourhood Plan.
PLANNING APPROVALSCHELMSFORDESSEX
Andrew Ransome
8/1/20262 min read
In 2024, I was able to secure site allocation for residential development in the newly adopted Danbury Neighbourhood Plan.
The Plan was formally adopted in December 2024, and with it, Site E: Land at Mayes Lane is now allocated for a maximum of two dwellings.
It's a modest allocation in terms of numbers, but it represents years of patient, considered engagement with the local community and the Parish Council, and it's a good example of what can be achieved through neighbourhood planning when the right approach is taken.
Neighbourhood Plan - A Long-Term Strategy
Neighbourhood plans are shaped over years, not months, and securing this allocation reflected that reality.
I promoted the site over a sustained period, engaging with Danbury Parish Council through multiple rounds of consultation as the Plan evolved from early evidence-gathering through to submission and examination.
This involved attending numerous meetings with the Parish Council and its Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, presenting the case for the site, responding to concerns as they arose.
Neighbourhood planning rewards this kind of sustained, constructive dialogue. Sites that are put forward once and then left to their own devices rarely make it through to allocation. Sites that are actively championed, with their promoters willing to listen and adapt, stand a much better chance.
Why the Site was Allocated
The Plan's own reasoned justification sets out clearly why the site was considered suitable for allocation:
It is centrally located, close to the amenities in the heart of Danbury.
It benefits from excellent public transport links.
Access is taken from a priority 2 road, with no impact on the character of the surrounding lanes.
At the same time, the site sits within the Conservation Area, and is adjacent to a non-designated building of significant historic interest.
That context meant the case for allocation had to be built carefully, addressing heritage and landscape sensitivities head-on rather than treating them as an afterthought.
What This Means Going Forward
With the allocation now secured in an adopted Neighbourhood Plan, the land has a strong and defensible policy basis for a future planning application.
This outcome is a reminder of what neighbourhood plans can deliver for landowners willing to invest the time.
Site promotion isn't a one-off submission; it's an ongoing relationship with the Parish Council and the community.
Planning Policy Advice
If you own land in a village or parish preparing a Neighbourhood Plan and want to explore whether it could be promoted for allocation, I'd be glad to discuss how the process works and what a realistic strategy might look like for your site.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
Planning Approvals in Chelmsford
Planning Policy Information
Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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