Chelmsford Garden Community final phase approved

Chelmsford City Council’s Planning Committee has resolved to approve the final outline planning application for Chelmsford Garden Community.

The decision gives the go-ahead to three new villages with 3,500 new homes, including at least 665 which will be affordable, new primary schools and an all-through school, a 104ha destination country park and lake, village hall and stewardship offices, flexible employment spaces and over 7ha of sports provision.

Planned around a long-term vision over the next 20 years, this next stage builds on earlier approvals for Zones 1 and 3 and the success of existing Garden Community neighbourhoods, including Beaulieu.

The three new villages are Park Farm, providing 1,259 homes, Willow Hill, providing 563, and Hawthorn, providing 1,678.

Comments

Councillor Richard Lee, cabinet member for planning and place-shaping, said: “This approval is a fantastic step forward for Chelmsford Garden Community and for the people who will eventually live in and around it. It means we can move ahead with well-planned neighbourhoods that bring new homes, schools, green spaces, local facilities and better connections together from the very beginning.

“The focus has always been on creating places where residents can put down roots, access everyday services close to home and enjoy a strong sense of community. This decision helps secure those long-term benefits for Chelmsford and the surrounding area.”