Housebuilder Dandara’s Partnership division has finalised two key schemes that will deliver almost 150 new affordable homes in West Essex, tackling the local housing challenge where delivery is struggling to keep pace with demand as just under a third of all new homes completed in England in 2024–25 were affordable housing.
At St Mary’s Park in Great Dunmow, Dandara is delivering 109 affordable homes in partnership with Clarion Housing Group. The homes, which include a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership, form part of a wider mixed-tenure neighbourhood designed around green space, walkable routes and community infrastructure, helping to ensure affordable housing is fully integrated rather than treated as an add-on.
In Takeley, a further 39 affordable homes are being delivered with Moat Homes. The homes have been designed to meet Nationally Described Space Standards and achieve an EPC B rating, supported by air source heat pumps to improve energy efficiency and help reduce running costs for residents. The scheme reflects repeat business between the two organisations and a shared confidence in delivery quality and approach.
Both developments also generate wider local benefits through Section 106 contributions, supporting investment in education, transport, highways and healthcare and reinforcing the role affordable housing plays in sustaining local communities.
Richard Matthews, Managing Director for Partnerships at Dandara, added: “There’s a real responsibility that comes with delivering affordable housing, particularly in areas like West Essex where demand continues to grow. Working closely with experienced housing association partners allows us to take a long-term view, whether that’s around design, energy performance or how these homes fit into the wider community. It’s that collaborative approach that helps turn ambition into delivery.”
Russell Turner, Partnerships Director at Dandara, said: “Affordable housing is at its best when it’s delivered through strong, trusted relationships. We’re proud to be continuing our work with Clarion and to be building again with Moat, both of whom value quality, sustainability and well-designed homes as much as we do. Working in partnerships like these means we get to draw on shared experience and a common goal of quality and practicality for residents.
Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group said: “Strong partnerships are essential to delivering the high-quality affordable homes communities need. Our work with Dandara at St Mary’s Park will provide 109 well-designed, energy-efficient homes for local people, fully integrated within a thoughtfully planned neighbourhood. This is the 11th project Clarion has entered into with Dandara since 2022, reflecting the strength of the relationship and shared commitment to delivery. Clarion is focused not only on building new homes at scale, but on investing in places for the long term to support residents and communities well beyond completion.”
Steve Nunn, Executive Director of Growth at Moat added: “We know that demand for affordable housing in places like Takeley is strong. We’re pleased to play our part in meeting that demand while listening to the needs of our communities who want space, comfort and homes that are affordable to run. This project reflects a partnership approach where those priorities were clear from the start, resulting in great homes in the right places for those who need them.”
With average house prices and rental costs in Essex remaining above many parts of the country and affordability pressures persisting, especially for households on modest incomes, these schemes represent a meaningful contribution to new, long-term affordable housing options across the region.