575 homes get the go-ahead (From Echo)

575 homes get the go-ahead

8:10pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Gina Marden

TWENTY years of uncertainty for residents living near the site of the old Runwell Hospital, have finally been ended after plans to build 575 homes were given the go-ahead.
 

Plans to build homes on the site of the former hospital in Runwell Road, Wickford, have been on the cards since 1992.
 

It was even earmarked to house a prison just two years’ ago but the plans were shelved to the delight of residents.
 

But, on Thursday evening, Chelmsford Council’s planning committee, finally paved the way for the former hospital to become a new housing development made up of 575 houses.
 

The development will also house a primary school and nursery; new sports fields; and a new roundabout junction connecting Runwell Chase and the A132.
 

At the heart of the development there will be a village green, shops, pubs and restaurants. And the chapel at the site will remain either as a place of worship or a community hall.
 

Lance Millane, Tory councillor for Runwell, welcomed the approval of the plans.
 

However Mr Millane and fellow Runwell councillor Ray Ride raised concerns the development does not currently include plans for a doctor’s surgery.
 

At the meeting residents also called for the new roundabout to be put in straightaway to ease traffic at the blackspot.