850 homes proposed around Wickford country park beauty spot

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 10:08 · Archive

Plans for 850 homes have been unveiled on the edge of Wickford, surrounding Wick Country Park at the centre of the development.

Plans for a major development of 850 homes on the edge of Wickford have been unveiled. The proposed scheme, on land near Sappers Farm off Cranfield Park Road close to the A127, would surround Wick Country Park, leaving the popular green space at the heart of the new community.

The development would provide 50 per cent affordable housing alongside extensive public open space. A centrally located community hub would include space for nursery provision and safeguarded land for a new primary school. The main vehicle access would be via Cranfield Park Road, near to the now-closed Dick Turpin pub.

Developers describe the project as a 'refreshing new sustainable neighbourhood' designed around green infrastructure, with new walking and cycling routes linking homes to open spaces and wildlife corridors along Benfleet Brook and Rushbottom Brook. Planning documents say the landscape-led approach would create an attractive setting for residents while enhancing ecological networks.

The proposal comes as Basildon Council prepares a new local plan that could see around 28,000 homes built across the borough. Developers argue the scheme would make a significant contribution towards tackling Basildon's housing shortage, describing the site as a sustainable and accessible location on the edge of Wickford that could be supported by existing and future infrastructure.

How it is being reported

• Fresh plans to build 850 homes surrounding south Essex beauty spot submittedPlans for 850 homes near Wick Country Park have been revealedEcho (Basildon) · 20 Oct, 09:38
• 850 new homes could be built surrounding Wickford beauty spot parkThe proposals also include space for two nurseries, a school and a community centreEssexLive · 20 Oct, 08:00

In this story: Wickford · Wick Country Park · Basildon Council · Benfleet Brook · Rushbottom Brook

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