Bellway is to start construction work on 85 new homes in Chipping Ongar after acquiring the land for the development.
Haycroft Gardens, as the development is to be known, will provide a range of much-needed family housing, affordable homes for local people, open space with a children’s play area, and a £1.4 million investment in local services.
Planning permission to develop the eight-acre site off Greensted Road was granted by Epping Forest District Council in December after the council’s planning committee voted unanimously to approve the plans in February 2025.
Work will begin on site in March, following the completion of the land purchase on Friday 23 January. The first homes are due to be completed in early 2027.
Ed Brading, Sales Director for Bellway Thames Gateway, said:
“The acquisition of the Greensted Road site will enable us to start work on delivering an attractive and sustainable development of high-quality and energy-efficient homes for Chipping Ongar.
“Almost three-quarters of the homes will be family-sized properties with three, four or five-bedrooms in line with local housing need. Haycroft Gardens will also include a significant proportion – 40 per cent – of affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership, all of which will be accessible and adaptable for wheelchair users.
“Sustainability is one of Bellway’s key strategic priorities and this development will deliver an overall biodiversity net gain through the planting of trees, ornamental shrubs, and a wildflower grass mix. A central green with a children’s play area will provide a focal point for residents to relax and socialise outdoors.
“As well as making a £1.4 million investment in local services and infrastructure through the planning agreement, we will also be creating apprenticeship opportunities throughout the construction programme as part of the Employment and Skills Scheme approved by the council.”
Bellway’s financial contributions under the planning agreement will include funding for early years education, healthcare facilities, sports facilities, community facilities and library services. More than £408,000 will be provided for off-site open spaces in Ongar, and a contribution of nearly £400,000 for highways will help towards upgrading the A113 Coopers Hill/ Brentwood Road roundabout and improving public transport services.
Haycroft Gardens will comprise 51 properties for private sale and 34 affordable homes for low-cost rent and shared ownership. The private homes will include a mix of two to five-bedroom houses while the affordable homes will feature one and two-bedroom maisonettes as well as two to three-bedroom houses.
For more information about Haycroft Gardens, call the sales team on 01722 638903 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway/haycroft-gardens.