New homes given the go ahead on former Chelmsford school site
A former school site in Chelmsford is to be given a new lease of life with approval given for new family homes and independent living accommodation.
The development of the former St Peter’s College grounds on Fox Crescent, identified as a Strategic Growth Site in Chelmsford’s Local Plan, will also deliver new green spaces and play areas, flexible workspace facilities and space for community use.
Some of the land, which is owned by Essex County Council, has previously been developed to provide space for two new special schools, Sir Geoff Hurst Academy and The Hawthorns School, which have already welcomed their first students.
Homes to suit different needs
The site lies in an already established thriving community to the north-west of Chelmsford with good access to the city centre and local amenities including schools, shops, sports facilities, open space and public transport.
The plans include up to 185 residential properties in a wide variety of styles to mirror the housing mix and design of the local neighbourhood. Up to 35% of these new homes will be affordable.
The plans also include a new development of 60 independent living homes designed for older adults who want to live in their own property with a little extra support on hand. At least 50% of these will be accessible homes and designed and built to Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings standards. They will include key features like step-free access, wider doorways and corridors for easier movement, accessible bathroom facilities and enough circulation space in every room for wheelchair users.
Commenting on the proposed housing mix in the application, Councillor Richard Lee, Cabinet Member for Planning and Place-Shaping said:
““Strong communities need a range of homes for people at different stages of their lives, and this development offers exactly that. Providing different sizes, types and tenures of housing gives people more choice, helps families find a home that is right for them, and gives residents more opportunity to remain part of their local community as their circumstances change.
Councillor Richard Lee, Cabinet Member for Planning and Place-Shaping
“The approval of this application is a reflection of the continuous effort for Chelmsford to have a strong Local Plan to help ensure that what is built is actually what is needed to support thriving communities.”
The new development will feature tree-lined pathways leading to nature-rich spaces. CGI image by Steve Woodhouse, Skyline Visuals
Linear green park to connect new homes
As well as new homes, the site will create new habitats and recreational green spaces over three hectares of the land, helping to boost local ecology and biodiversity.
To connect homes and make active travel easy and enjoyable, a linear green park will run through the centre of the development linking Fox Crescent, Highfield Road and Hobart Close. Green corridors with tree-lined pathways and hedgerows will lead to nature-rich spaces including Hobart Close Green, a wildflower meadow and Pond Green, an area which will enhance an existing pond while preserving a mature oak and coppicing nearby willow trees. Social green space will be important too with the addition of a new community park with picnic seating and a play area.
New parking provision for residents
Residents will be able to access the development from Fox Crescent where two priority junctions will be created. The location of the new junctions are designed to protect a mature willow tree and ensure there are clear sightlines for drivers entering and exiting the development. The new road layout will mean restrictions need to be introduced to on street parking in Fox Crescent, but replacement parking spaces will be made available in easy to access bays at the front of the site. To support the council’s infrastructure first approach, it is proposed that this work will be completed at an early stage of the development to minimise disruption on Fox Crescent.
More information
You can find out more about major infrastructure projects and developments in Chelmsford on the planning pages of the Chelmsford City Council website.
