Wickford-Essex

This site, part residential, part paddock and part commercial uses sat wholly within the green belt but abutting settlement edge. Initially we submitted a lawful use application so that we could include the previously developed parts of the site as previously developed or brownfield land. We then worked closely with Basildon under a planning performance agreement to successfully demonstrate the site should be removed from the green belt and have now delivered a grey belt compliant planning permission for 97 new homes. Permission was delivered without the need for a planning appeal and was one of the first grey belt permissions issued in the south east. Key challenges on this project were the onsite watercourse, significant ecology constraints and the local perception of increased traffic. The design respected all the constraints and as such as been praised for the way we have integrated the open space into the development.