Affordable & Climate Friendly Homes Proposed for Rochford

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EARLY plans have been revealed for a new town with around 2,000 homes in Rochford, with the developer seeking public opinion. Developer Hemspan is behind the plans for ‘Rochford Park’, which, if approved, will be built near Apton Hall Road south of Canewdon.

Hemspan says it could be “the UK’s first large-scale climate-positive community.” 

The developer is known for its climate change agenda and is also behind plans for three housing manufacturing plants in Rochford, which it says will be able to produce 2,000 homes a year.

A flyer for the housing plans states the benefits include:

“Around 2,000 high-quality, mixed occupancy and affordable, climate-positive homes in a landscaped village setting, including newly planted native trees.

“The development will bring significant economic and employment opportunities. At its heart, a vibrant community hub will offer a range of facilities designed to enhance the quality of life of both new residents and the wider community.

”Initial plans show it could be close to Apton Hall wedding and events venue and replace huge areas of farmland and farms, including Little Hall Farms Ltd and Doggetts Farm. 

The initial flyer adds:

“Rochford Park is designed to welcome all generations; an inclusive and thoughtfully planned extension of Ashingdon and Rochford communities, created to foster connection and a strong sense of place and belonging.”

Rochford is becoming a magnet for development, with various firms eyeing up land for large developments. Plans were being discussed for a 10,000-home new town across Rochford and Southend.

Council leader, Conservative Danielle Belton, has been vocal about lots of

“speculative” plans, and is also “expecting a huge plan with 1,000s of homes” in Great Wakering.

Land to the west of the A130, running from Wickford down to Benfleet, is earmarked for around 3,100 new homes under two separate plans.

It could see Wickford, Rayleigh and Rawreth “blend” together as well as Pitsea and Benfleet being joined up.

SOURCE: Eco News