click here for a larger image of the indicative masterplan

The proposals

Hickfort's proposals are being promoted through Castle Point Borough Council's Local Development Framework as a strategic housing and employment site and include provision for approximately 2,400 new homes. The new homes will comprise a mix of houses and flats including smaller household accommodation of which there is a shortage in the Borough. Up to 35% will be designated affordable housing, including homes for key workers, first-time buyers and the elderly.

The proposals also provide for supporting community facilities and services including a brand new primary school in the centre of the development, a community hall, health centre/doctors surgery, shop and leisure uses consisting of formal and informal public open space. There are also options to provide a childrens day care nursery and public house/restaurant, all of which will bring substantial social benefits to the Borough.

In addition, the master plan identifies land for a retail and business park adjacent to the A127 and A130 which will provide new investment and employment opportunities. It will assist in meeting the objectives of both of the draft East of England Regional Spatial Strategy and Borough Council in helping to curb the high level of out-commuting from the Borough which currently consists of 19,000 journeys each day at peak times.

Land at the northern end of the development proposals has also been identified for the proposed relocation of the Manor Trading Estate which will remove HGVs and work-related traffic from entering the site primarily through existing residential areas and bring substantial environmental benefits in improving the quality of life for local residents.

In designing the scheme, a high level of importance has been placed on creating a high quality and sustainable urban environment with particular emphasis on minimising the need to travel by private transport.

The proposals also include 90 acres of public open space, all of which is currently in private hands. Hickfort's proposals will open up a significant amount of good quality land for local people to enjoy. Emphasis has been placed on delivering important environmental, social and economic benefits, with full regard being given to ecological assessments.

Throughout the course of the planning and consultation process, matters such as detailed house design and layout will be developed further.