PLANS are in the pipeline for a major new housing development on farmland to the north of Chadwell St Mary, Thurrock reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
A screening opinion application has been lodged with Thurrock Council for a proposed development of around 350 homes on a 38.8-acre site bordering Godman Road, Cedar Road, Barry Close and Heath Road. The land, currently used for agriculture, sits adjacent to Orsett Heath and is surrounded by hedgerows, with a public footpath running along its northern edge.
The scheme includes new access from Heath Road, alongside landscaping and infrastructure to support the new homes. The site is within walking and cycling distance of local schools, shops and other amenities, and benefits from good public transport links.
An environmental screening report submitted to the council concluded that while the development would result in the loss of agricultural land and an increase in traffic and population, these impacts could be managed with “standard mitigation measures”.
The site also contains archaeological features, including a late Iron Age enclosure at its centre and a Bronze Age burial mound to the east. Developers have confirmed that the Iron Age enclosure will be preserved within the layout of the new estate.
Thurrock Council’s planning officers have ruled that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required ahead of a formal planning application being submitted.
