150 homes and new care home planned on land in Billericay
The development is planned for greenbelt land
Green belt land in a rural Essex town could see 150 new houses and a 50-bed care home built, according to new plans.
The land in Potash Road, Billericay, is subject to a planning application submitted to Basildon Borough Council by P & A Investments Limited and P D Developments (Essex) Limited.
According to a design and access statement, the scheme would be an opportunity to contribute to Basildon’s housing needs and “substantial areas” of trees and vegetation will be retained.
A section read: “The site is judged to be capable of delivering a high quality, residential-led development that can help make a valuable contribution towards the future housing need of Basildon district.”
But the statement also acknowledges a “high” potential for surface water flooding from the Stock Brook which runs near the site.
A flood risk assessment shows the site falls in Environment Agency flood zone one, the lowest risk category.
Drainage strategies for the site are also likely to use detention basins and pipes to carry water out of the site to its north and west, it continues.
Several other environmental constraints are set out in the proposals, including the site’s green belt location, as well as its proximity to Norsey Wood, a local nature reserve.
Additionally, a gas main runs from north to south across the site which will require easement, or permission for workers to inspect, repair and replace it should the need arise.
Two existing houses, numbers 41 and 65, would also be demolished as part of the plans.
The statement says these constraints will need to be considered during the design process.
The homes themselves are set to be a mix of one to four bedroom houses and the care home building, located in the west of the site, a mix of private accommodation and supported communal areas.
Chelmsford City Council is additionally being consulted over the plans.
The application is for outline consent, meaning councillors will decide whether to approve the plans in principle. Final details over layout and appearance would then be submitted at a later stage.