Countryside Partnerships and L&Q has submitted an outline planning application for 3,500 new homes, which will form a significant part of the Chelmsford Garden Community, a mixed-use development in the north east of Chelmsford.
The application, which was submitted to Chelmsford City Council (CCC), follows the approval of the Garden Community Masterplan earlier this year.
Countryside and L&Q are looking to create up to 3,500 new homes within three villages, as well as a local centre and two smaller neighbourhood centres, an employment area, nursery provision, three primary schools and one secondary school plus 130 hectares of formal and informal open space including a new Nature Park and formal sports provision and other associated highway and sustainable transport infrastructure inlcuding a network of walking and cycling routes and extensive community facilities.
Martin Leach, Managing Director, Strategic Land and Major Projects, Countryside Partnerships, said: “We are excited to have reached this key milestone for the next stages of the Chelmsford Garden Community. This major mixed-used development will deliver much needed homes and community facilities, including those outlined in the recent planning application submission, which will significantly improve the lifestyle offering and access to key amenities for the wider Chelmsford community.”
Alongside the new Beaulieu Train Station and Chelmsford North East Bypass being delivered by 2026, Chelmsford Garden Community will create a new, high quality and sustainable extension for Chelmsford.
Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader, Chelmsford City Council said: “Chelmsford Garden Community is a key part of our sustainable growth as a city, mapped out in our Local Plan. The first phases of its development at Beaulieu and Channels have already provided connected, quality homes, neighbourhoods and amenities. We expect the next stage to set higher standards for sustainability and innovation, to help meet both the demands of the country’s acute housing crisis and tackle the challenges posed by climate change.”
Work on the proposed scheme is anticipated to start in 2025 and would be developed over a 15-year build period.
