Chelmsford 5,000 homes project - what's the latest?

Chelmsford 5,000 homes project – what’s the latest?

Late last year, the plans to increase Chelmsford's housing stock by 5,000 homes hit a snag when Chelmsford County Council decided not to include Hammonds Farm in its long-term housing plan.

However, a new partnership between Grosvenor and Hammond Estates is aiming to change this by persuading the local planning inspector that the development site - situated just outside of Chelmsford - should be included in the larger plan to deliver an additional 19,000 homes by 2036.

The proposed development is a 1,160-acre site being touted as a 'distinctive new community', which will boast primary and secondary schools, healthcare facilities and employment space alongside thousands of new housing units.

Hammonds Farm is located to the east of Chelmsford centre, in between Sandon on the A12 and Little Baddow on the A414.

Alex Robinson, director of development, strategic land for Grosvenor Britain and Ireland, commented: "This part of Essex is feeling acute pressure for new homes to meet demand – from young professionals getting on to the housing ladder, to families and downsizers."

"We want to bring forward a new community which boosts the choice and supply of homes, as well as providing the social and physical infrastructure required to create a significant and positive legacy for the community."

Matthew Lynwood, development manager at Hammonds Estates, added that his organisation is dedicated to 'shaping a sustainable and inclusive new community which goes beyond just delivering new homes, but which offers inspiration and opportunities not available elsewhere for all sections of the community that live and work there.'

Although not yet fully confirmed, it's believed this new partnership between Grosvenor and Hammond Estates could give the development the boost it needs to be signed off by the council. Here at Balgores Property Group, we will be watching its progress very closely.