Epping Forest District Council has approved a 780-home mixed-tenure Vistry scheme with community facilities at North Weald Bassett, Essex.
The application was submitted in line with the strategic masterplan which was co-created by Vistry and Epping Forest District Council, having undergone extensive stakeholder and public consultation.
The masterplan seeks to retain North Weald Bassett’s village feel and protect existing community assets. The scheme will improve the range of local services and green spaces available with the provision of a new local centre, Sustainable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG), and land reserved for a new community building, health centre and primary school.
The site was allocated for development and removed from the Green Belt in March 2023 following its adoption in Epping Forest’s Local Plan. A Strategic Masterplan was endorsed by the Council in March 2024 which comprehensively planned this site, together with five neighbouring parcels of land.
James Harkin, head of Vistry strategic land, said: “This is a fantastic development that will deliver much-needed high quality homes for residents, as well as providing the vital community facilities required to support long-term and sustainable communities.
“Working in partnership with Epping Forest District Council and incorporating feedback from the extensive public consultation that has been carried out, has enabled us to produce an application that will have a transformative impact for local residents.”
This is the first of the large sites allocated in Epping Forest District Council’s Local Plan to be approved through planning committee.
Image: Vistry
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