UP to 800 homes, a new primary school and a new country park the size of 100 football pitches could be built on land close to the A130.

Orbit Homes, the UK’s second largest housing association developer, is promoting a vision for a new, sustainable community at North Benfleet Hall Farm, off Pound Lane, between North Benfleet and Bowers Gifford.

The vision is underpinned by a new country park, which would provide a permanent green buffer between North Benfleet and Bowers Gifford and neighbouring settlements.

Part of the North Benfleet Hall Farm site is being consulted on by Basildon Council in its Local Plan: New and Alternative Sites Consultation.

The developer says it would also contribute significantly to delivering a new A127/Pound Lane junction, although concerns have been raised about potential congestion problems.

A spokesperson for Orbit Homes said: “We understand the sensitivity of delivering new housing and believe our vision for North Benfleet Hall Farm is a better alternative to some of the sites currently proposed.

“Our proposal for a larger allocation at North Benfleet Hall Farm would deliver significant infrastructure such as a new primary school and funding towards the new A127 junction with Pound Lane.

“It would also create a 205 acre country park, opening up a huge area of green space for public use and protect Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet from becoming indistinguishable.

“If local residents think our proposals could be a better alternative we would urge them to contact Basildon Council’s planning team to let them know their thoughts.”