Harlow Council has submitted new plans for the redevelopment of Elm Hatch which includes 6 brand new council homes and new retail units.
The planning application for the scheme has been validated by planning officers. Public consultation will now take place ahead of a formal planning decision being made on the application. If approved, work on site is due to start in January.
The original plans for the area have been sensitively and significantly revised following feedback from residents and organisations and the site is within the Netteswellbury Conservation area.
The new scheme, which includes derelict land where the Hummingbird Pub once sat, will see two commercial retail units with 5 extremely high-quality council apartments built. The scheme includes off-street parking, the use of renewable energy and a new landscaped area. The site will also provide a 3-bedroom house suitable for families with wheelchair requirements.
All 6 homes on the development will be allocated to Harlow families on Harlow’s Housing Needs Register. The new retail units will be built before the old one is demolished to allow the existing business to continue trading during the redevelopment.
Due to the proximity of Grade II listed building that sits behind the development, the original height and size of the scheme has been radically changed and work has taken place with Place Services from Essex County Council and English Heritage to produce the final designs.
Chairman of the Waterhouse Moor Residents’ Association and local resident, Steve Richardson, has strongly endorsed the plans. He said:
“I wholeheartedly support the plans the council have brought forward for the redevelopment of Elm Hatch and the former Hummingbird Pub site.
“The site has been derelict for many years and has been a real blight on our neighbourhood. The council did propose something a few years back, but local residents totally opposed it and it was just unviable and completely wrong.
“These plans are fantastic and will be a huge enhancement to the area. I hope the planning permission is given and the construction starts in January as is planned. I really thank the council for listening and delivering on its word for Waterhouse Moor residents.”
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of the Council, said:
“I am pleased that plans for a new scheme for the rebuild of Elm Hatch have now been submitted. This proposed scheme will transform part of an area which has sat derelict for far too long. We have worked closely with the Waterhouse Moor Residents’ Association to bring forward a much-improved scheme for the local area and one that does not intrude on the beautiful St Andrew’s Church and Study Centre which are close by. This scheme will provide much-needed council homes for Harlow families as well as new retail units and is all part of our priorities to rebuild our town and restore pride in Harlow.
“The proposed development is of extremely high-quality, both in the construction, design and materials, but also in the proposed landscaping and amenity space. I am proud that the council is not only rebuilding left-behind areas but also delivering such high-quality, energy efficient developments that enhance the local neighbourhood, not overdevelop or ruin it.”
