2:10pm Sunday 14th March 2010
By Jon Austin
PLANNERS behind the £250million revamp of Craylands have gone back to the drawing board – after residents said proposals were too drab.
The changes come after it was deemed delays left the original scheme, drawn up in 2003, outdated.
Homeowners have demanded a drastic overhaul and more “traditional Essex architecture” injected into the new homes.
Consultant architects Urban Design Associates are now redesigning the whole look of the estate.
The Craylands redevelopment project is expected to take ten years over five phases from 2011. About 900 homes will be demolished and 1,400 new ones built.
Swan, the housing association behind the project, has reconsulted residents who said the original plans were no longer appropriate.
Paul Hebden, Swan spokesman, said: “The original design is seen as too much like a London estate. Feedback from consultations included a desire to see the wider Essex architectural style reflected on the estate.”
The survey also found the former design to be “institutional” in appearance.
Problems identified were: l Monopitch roofs l Large, unbroken building masses l Non-residential window sizes l Lack of colour.
New designs include pitched roofs, larger windows, and porches and balconies to break up buildings. If approved by Basildon Council, materials will include traditional brickwork and timber weatherboarding.
The new application states the development was about “engaging the residents and refining the masterplan.”
It stated: “This is to reflect concerns of the community, changes in market and to improve the efficiency of construction.
“The first phase of development will be crucial in establishing the new image of Craylands.
“It is especially critical in order to reposition what has been seen as a struggling, blighted, and fragmented community, with many challenges ranging from antisocial behaviour and security concerns to lack of character.”
It concluded it was of “paramount importance” the first phase represents a “drastic transformation from its current image”.
Last November, the Echo revealed the whole estate will be renamed Beechwood Village once it is rebuilt in five stages.
The latest planning application is for 133 flats out of the 360 homes on the former Fryerns School site, the remaining 227 are houses which are already under construction.
They will be completed this summer.
Plans for the remaining phases are yet to be approved, so the designs have yet to be unveiled.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/trade_directory/