Plans for 45 sustainable new homes in the Essex village of Henham have been approved by local councillors.
Uttlesford District Council’s planning committee unanimously authorised the granting of detailed planning permission for the Bellway scheme at a meeting on Wednesday (26 June).
The development, which will be known as Hare’s Leap, will include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, providing 27 houses for the private market and 18 affordable properties, including two bungalows, for local people available through rent or shared ownership.
Each of the highly energy-efficient homes will benefit from solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points, while more than half of the site off Mill Road will be set aside as public open space to include a new children’s play area as well as wildlife habitats to promote biodiversity.
Greg Allsop, Sales Director for Bellway North London, said: “We have worked closely with the local planning authority to plan a new homes development which will form a seamless extension to the existing community in Henham and provide an appealing new gateway to the village, so we are pleased that councillors have given our proposals their unanimous support.
“The small scale and picturesque setting of Hare’s Leap means it will enjoy a prestigious and secluded feel, and the homes here have been designed to reflect their rural surroundings. A number of bespoke house styles have been created specifically for this development, with architectural features chosen to reflect traditional farmstead buildings.
“Footpaths within the development will link the village with the public right of way to the south, while a new children’s play area will provide a focal point for residents to enjoy. With more than six acres of parkland including ponds, native woodland, hedgerow and wildflower grassland, this will also be a haven for wildlife.
“With planning approval now secured, we are looking forward to starting work on site. We have already seen a great deal of interest in these homes, as they offer an opportunity to enjoy living in a sustainable new-build home in the beautiful Essex countryside, with convenient access to local amenities and commuter links into both London and Cambridge.”
The houses for sale at Hare’s Leap will include a range of executive three, four and five-bedroom designs, with the first properties due to be released onto the market in Spring 2025.
