Plans for 85 new homes in Chipping Ongar have been approved by councillors, subject to a planning agreement being finalised.
Bellway Thames Gateway had submitted a full planning application for the development, on an eight-acre site to the north of Greensted Road which is allocated for residential development in the Local Plan.
During the meeting of Epping Forest District Council’s planning committee A on 19 February, councillors praised Bellway for conducting early consultation with the local community. The committee unanimously approved the plans, which will deliver 40 per cent affordable housing and more than £1.4 million in financial contributions to local facilities.
Will Weston-Smith, Land Director for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “We have consulted extensively with Epping Forest District Council, Ongar Town Council and the local community and incorporated their comments and suggestions as our plans for this site have evolved.
“The housing mix has been carefully designed to provide a substantial proportion – 71 per cent – of family-sized houses to meet the local need, while we have adapted our plans to ensure that all 34 affordable homes provided are accessible and adaptable for wheelchair users.
“Our scheme also responds to comments about road safety, with highways works proposed including the extension of the 30mph zone further north, and the proposed pedestrian crossing further to the east.
“We have also carefully designed the drainage of the scheme to ensure that surface water run-off will not be increased.
“Once the legal agreement for the development has been finalised, we are ready to start work on site to deliver these much-needed new homes for the area, with the first houses potentially ready by July 2026.”
The development will include a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, alongside landscaped areas which will deliver ecological, environmental and social benefits, including a central area of green open space with a children’s play area.
Bellway’s financial contributions to the local area are proposed to include more than £408,000 towards off-site open spaces in Ongar, including parks, provision for children and young people and natural green spaces. There would also be nearly £400,000 for highways, including upgrades to the A113 Coopers Hill/ Brentwood Road roundabout and improvements to public transport services.
Other contributions would support early years education, healthcare facilities, sports facilities, community facilities and library services.
