The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Basildon Borough Council and South Essex College are working in partnership to develop land called Nethermayne in Basildon.

This month's public consultation relates to initial proposals for low-density, high-quality family homes and community facilities as well as new, preserved and enhanced areas of open space and grassland.

The public were invited to come and speak to members of the partnership and provide feedback on the proposals.

The delivery of much-needed, high-quality family homes at Nethermayne would also generate the funding required to build a new town centre campus for students of South Essex College of Further and Higher Education. This will ensure that Basildon’s young people have better access to education and improved facilities in a modern and vibrant learning environment. Potential further benefits for the area include local shops, play areas, a new primary school or other community facilities.

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Mike Goulding, Area Manager at the HCA, said: "Nethermayne is already designated for housing but we fully recognise the importance of its landscape and ecology as well as the need to take the views of existing nearby residents into consideration. On that basis, the new proposals will be landscape and ecology-led to minimise its visual impact and ensure the preservation and improvement of green open spaces."

As part of the early design proposals, precious habitats such as woodland and grassland to the west will be enhanced and maintained. New public open spaces will also be created to incorporate biodiversity features and the inclusion of a wide range of vegetation and habitat planting. An ecology workshop will be held with a number of local environmental groups as well as a general workshop on wider issues such as transport with local interested parties.

(CD)