Bellway Strategic Land has prepared the outline planning submission for the proposed development on a 26-acre site to the north of Brays Lane. It would consist of a mix of home designs and sizes, with half of the properties designated as affordable homes for local people.
All the properties would be built to the Future Homes Standard, which means they would feature low-carbon technologies including solar PV panels and air source heat pumps.
Ben Stacey, Strategic Land Director for Bellway in the South East, said:
“We underwent an extensive consultation process before submitting the planning application. This engagement included a public exhibition at Ashingdon and Hawkwell Memorial Hall in July when residents were able to ask questions and give their thoughts.
“As a result of feedback from local residents, we changed the plans to include a walking route on the eastern edge of the site where many people currently walk with their dogs. The proposals also include footpaths and cycle paths and a new children’s play area.
“This would be an attractive and sustainable new neighbourhood featuring energy-efficient and low-carbon new homes. The design is landscape-led, with nearly one third of the development designated as green open space.”
Biodiversity enhancements would be made both on and off site, including the installation of bird and bat boxes and hedgehog houses. The creation of a sustainable urban drainage system would provide new habitats for local wildlife. A pedestrian walkway around the edge of the site, comprising a continuous 1.3km recreational walking loop and incorporating features such as ‘play along the way’, has also been included.
Ben said:
“There is an acute need for affordable housing in Rochford and the district has been demonstrated to be one of the least affordable for local first-time buyers. According to the South Essex Housing Needs Assessment 2022, 55 per cent of people are unable to afford entry-level housing in the area. Our plans would deliver a development where 50 per cent of the new homes would be affordable properties.
“This development would be sited in a well-connected location just over a mile from Rochford railway station which provides regular services to London Liverpool Street in under an hour.”
The homes would be built by Bellway’s Thames Gateway Division, which has developments across Essex and the wider region. For more information see here.
