Plans to develop 50 new homes in the village of Finchingfield, to the northwest of Braintree, have been approved from local planning officers.

The Hill Group has gained consent to build a collection of attractive, energy-efficient homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom family houses. The detailed plans, which include 40% affordable homes, were approved by Braintree Council Planning Committee on 8th March 2022.

The new homes have been sensitively designed to complement the picturesque and historic character of Finchingfield. Through consultation with Finchingfield and Great Bardfield Parish Councils, Braintree District Council, local residents, and key stakeholders, the homes have been designed in a traditional, regional architectural style resulting in an attractive, high-quality development that exceeds standards for both green space and carbon reduction. Each home will be fitted with sustainable air-source heat pump technology and electric car charging points, reducing the development's overall carbon footprint.

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The approved plans include scenic landscaping and ample green space to improve resident health and wellbeing, as well as blending with the stunning local landscape of North Essex. Features include a central green providing amenity space for all, a circular walkway, a landscaped attenuation pond and a well-planted, landscaped border that provides an aesthetically-pleasing boundary to the development. Over 130 new trees will be planted and, together with a variety of new flora, will increase wildlife habitat, resulting in a 26% gain in biodiversity. New paths will connect with the existing footpath network placing the village centre within five minutes walking distance.

Andy Hill, Group Chief Executive of Hill, commented: "Through collaborative consultation with residents, the parish and district councils, we are delighted to receive consent and excited to be delivering much-needed homes in this popular location. We specialise in creating bespoke, beautiful developments, and I'm proud that our designs have captured the character of this stunning village. We have taken a landscape-led approach, incorporating plenty of green open space, making this an attractive new community where people will enjoy living and spending time."

The development offers a variety of homes ranging from one to five-bedroom detached homes meeting the needs of a broad range of homebuyers. The approved designs are tenure-blind, guaranteeing a mix of high-quality private sale, shared ownership, and affordable rent homes. Hill will also contribute over £50,000 for new outdoor sports facilities at Finchingfield Playing Fields, which adjoins the development, and a £10,000 contribution to Freshwell Health Centre in the village.

Work is expected to start on-site in the summer of 2022.