Area Overview for CM22 7BA

Area Information

Living in CM22 7BA involves settling into a post code that spans a specific residential cluster measuring approximately 1.3 square kilometres. This small area, centred around Hatfield Broad Oak, is a civil parish deep in the broadlands of eastern Essex. The local population stands at 1,623 residents, creating a tightly knit village environment distinct from the larger towns nearby. You will find a former market town that has evolved into a residential focus, retaining its historical roots while functioning as a quiet community today. The density here is 59 people per square kilometre, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere without the overcrowding found in denser urban settlements. Residents here enjoy the history of the site, which traces back to the Norman Conquest and features a population of roughly 1,150 in the Domesday Book. Although the market place was largely cleared by the 19th century, the parish church remains a central landmark containing the stone effigy of Robert de Vere. The Cock Inn, dating back to the 15th century, serves as a historic anchor for the village. Today, the area supports local events such as the annual 6-mile road race held each May Bank Holiday. Families with children will find the village peaceful, while commuters appreciate the quiet roads leading to major transport hubs. The area offers a rooted, historic feel within a modern residential context, suitable for those seeking a village life with historical character.

Area Type
Postcode
Area Size
1.3 km²
Population
1623
Population Density
59 people/km²

The property market in CM22 7BA is defined by a strong preference for owner-occupied homes. You will encounter a housing stock consisting entirely of houses, with no semi-detached, terraced, or flat listings within this specific cluster. This single home type simplifies buyers' choices but limits variety in architectural styles compared to more mixed urban districts. With 73 per cent of homes in resident ownership, the area functions primarily as a neighbourhood for those who have moved in to stay. This high ownership rate often translates into careful maintenance of properties by owners who view their homes as long-term investments. For buyers, this landscape means you are entering a market where prices may reflect traditional village premiums rather than speculative rental yields. The accommodation type data confirms that if you require a mortgage or a leasehold apartment, options exist elsewhere, as houses dominate CM22 7BA. This focus on detached or semi-detached properties appeals to families and older homeowners seeking space. The limited size of the area, just 1.3 square kilometres, means the housing stock is intimate and fully mapped. You will not find sprawling estates or self-contained developments here. Instead, the market offers established plots within the existing village footprint. Buyers should understand that properties are scarce and specific, fitting the village scale rather than catering to mass-market demographics.

House Prices in CM22 7BA

No properties found in this postcode.

Energy Efficiency in CM22 7BA

Residents of CM22 7BA enjoy convenient access to essential amenities located within practical reach. For shopping needs, five retail options are nearby, including a Co-op Hatfield, a Tesco Takeaway in Takeley, and a Morrisons Daily store. These supermarkets provide access to fresh produce and daily groceries without the need for long journeys into Greater London. Regarding leisure and transport options, four railway stations serve the region, with Stansted Airport Railway Station useful for quick getaways. The availability of Stansted Airport, 14 miles away, is a notable feature for frequent flyers. Community life is punctuated by local attractions such as Hatfield Forest, owned by the National Trust and featuring the historic Shell House and Capability Brown-designed lake. The Cock Inn, a fifteenth-century public house, anchors the village at its historical heart. The area does not have a cinema or modern shopping centre, but the combination of rural parks and village pubs offers a traditional leisure experience. You can participate in local events like the May Bank Holiday road race around the village. Living in CM22 7BA means trading urban centres for a lifestyle defined by green spaces, historic venues, and local supermarket chains. The nearest retail and transport hubs provide sufficient convenience while maintaining the quiet character of the parish.

Amenities

Schools

Education options nearby CM22 7BA are centred on a single primary institution accessible to families living in the parish. St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, located in Hatfield Broad Oak, serves the local young population. The school holds an Ofsted rating of satisfactory, indicating it meets the required standards for English primary education. You will find no secondary schools or academies listed within the immediate vicinity of this postcode, meaning older children will likely need to travel to Hatfield or Sawbridgeworth for secondary education. The presence of this single primary school suggests a community where the town's trajectory has prioritised local infrastructure for younger children. The voluntary aided status often implies religious affiliation and specific governance structures that families should consider before enrolment. Because the area contains 1,623 residents and schools near CM22 7BA are primarily this one institution, headcounts and waitlist availability will depend heavily on recent birth rates in the village. Parents relying on living in CM22 7BA must plan transport logistics carefully, as there is no secondary option listed in the data for immediate access. The satisfactory rating provides reassurance of acceptable educational quality, though the range of choices remains limited by the area's small size.

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Demographics

The community residing in CM22 7BA displays a mature age profile, with a median age of 47. You will find the most common age range among adults between 30 and 64 years, indicating a neighbourhood where families and established households dominate. Home ownership is high, with 73 per cent of residents owning their property outright or with a mortgage. This high level of tenure suggests stability and a long-term commitment to the village. Accommodation types are exclusively houses, reflecting the rural village character and the absence of high-rise flats or apartment blocks found in urban districts. The predominant ethnic group in this postcode is White, aligning with the typical demographic makeup of rural Essex settlements. With a population of just over 1,600, the social fabric relies heavily on neighbourly interaction and local knowledge. The exclusion of rental properties from the dominant stock means you are likely to interact with owners who have lived here for decades. This demographic structure supports a quiet, stable environment where residents know one another well. Those moving to this area can expect to join a community defined by longevity and domestic stability rather than the transient nature of student quarters or rental hotspots. The consistent population size supports local services without exerting the pressure seen in rapidly expanding developments.

Household Size

Family (3-5 people)
most common

Accommodation Type

Houses
most common

Tenure

73
majority

Ethnic Group

White
most common

Religion

N/A
most common

Household Composition

N/A
most common

Age

47
median
Adults (30-64 years)
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

41
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Premium
  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Nearby Areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Who typically lives in CM22 7BA?
The community in CM22 7BA is dominated by adults between 30 and 64 years old, with a median age of 47. Home ownership is high at 73 per cent, and the predominant ethnic group is White. Houses are the only accommodation type, reflecting the village character. This demographic structure supports a stable, long-term community rather than a rental market.
What schools are available for children living near CM22 7BA?
St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in Hatfield Broad Oak is the nearest school to CM22 7BA. It is rated satisfactory by Ofsted. This primary institution serves the local village population, and families will often need to travel for secondary education options not listed in this immediate vicinity.
How well connected is CM22 7BA to London and airports?
Digital connectivity is strong, with fixed broadband scoring 89 out of 100 and mobile coverage at 81 out of 100. Four rail stations are nearby, including Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Airport Railway Station. Access to London Stansted Airport, 14 miles away, provides quick airport access for residents.
Is CM22 7BA safe from crime and environmental hazards?
Crime risk is low, with a safety score of 70 out of 100 and below-average crime rates. There is no flood risk and no Ramsar site coverage. However, one warning level exists for protected woodland, which limits tree felling but does not impede general habitation or safety.

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