Developer scales back Wickford green belt estate plans (From Echo)

Developer scales back Wickford green belt estate plans

5:00pm Thursday 15th July 2010 in

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CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a housing estate on Wickford’s green belt have been scaled back, it has emerged.

Developer Gleeson Homes has unveiled its plans to build more than 150 homes on Barn Hall, off Station Avenue, Wickford.

The revised plans will see 152 homes, comprising of 146 three and four-bedroom houses and just six two-bedroom flats.

This is down on proposals first put forward in December 2006, which had plans for 200 homes made up of 110 flats and 90 houses.

Last year, campaigners lost their fight against the development, when London’s High Court said Basildon Council could not appeal a decision by former Communites Secretary Hazel Blears to allow the plans.

But the developer has taken on board residents’ and councillors’ comments and adjusted the plans accordingly.

Peter Boynes, one of the founders of the Wickford North Green Action Group, which was set up to fight the development, said the revised plans were much better.

He said: “When we first saw the plans, in 2006, it was going to be a real blot on the landscape.

“So what has been presented to us now is a lot more acceptable to residents. Of course I wish they weren’t being built in the first place.

“We lost the war, but we won a few battles along the way and have had a bit of influence.

“The world has moved on now and we have to acknowledge that.”

Mr Boynes added that as well as reduction of homes and flats, the new plans also meant the hedgerows and many trees in the area would avoid the chainsaw.

Basildon Council is to make a decision on the plans by August 6.

Michael Mowe, Basildon councillor for Wickford North, welcomed the lower number of homes and increased level of houses, but took issue with the design of the site.

He said: “The 152 homes is acceptable and so is the three and four-bedroom properties, but I do feel the developer could improve the layout of the site. For instance, I think the estate needs another exit.”

Matt Richardson, strategic planning manager for Gleeson Strategic Land, said: “After securing the outline consent, we have been working closely with officers and members of the council, as well as local residents to prepare the reserved matters submission.

“This application is presently being considered by the council and we look forward to continuing to work with them to bring the scheme to completion.”