Housebuilder Bellway has submitted detailed plans for a new residential development of 116 homes in Chadwell St Mary, which would deliver a mix of private and affordable housing alongside new public open space.

The proposals have been submitted to Thurrock Council for full planning permission on an 18-acre site off Chadwell Hill. The scheme would provide 58 private homes and 58 affordable properties, available through low-cost rent, shared ownership or discounted market sale. The mix of homes includes one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as two, three and four-bedroom houses.

All homes would be fitted with air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points, with solar photovoltaic panels included on selected plots.

William Weston-Smith, Land Director for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “We have liaised closely with the local authority to ensure that this development would help meet the requirements of the local area, with changes made during this process to the proposed layout, including re-locating the play area within a village-style green at the heart of the site.

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"This development would deliver a collection of energy-efficient new properties, using building fabric targeting the Future Homes Standard. There is a real need for more affordable properties in this area and half of the new homes here will be available through low-cost rent, shared ownership or at a discount to market sale to allow local people to find a new home that suits their needs."

The plans include extensive areas of open space, a children’s play area, drainage features and new footpaths, while existing public rights of way would be retained.

William Weston-Smith added: “These are carefully thought-out plans which would create a sustainable and attractive development providing a pleasing and enjoyable place for people to live. The development would feature a series of well-connected open spaces to provide areas where residents and the public in general can meet and socialise and enjoy the outdoor environment.

"The site would incorporate a welcoming tree-lined main street from a new vehicle access on Chadwell Hill, with the central green featuring wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and play equipment made from natural materials to cater for a range of ages and abilities.

"The landscape-led design would deliver benefits for biodiversity by retaining and enhancing existing habitats and creating extensive new areas for wildlife, including wildflower grassland, native scrub/shrub and wetland.

"New homes would feature bird and bat boxes and 'hedgehog highways', created by small holes at the base of garden fences. The properties have also been designed to be in keeping with existing local architecture, to include pitched roofs, bay windows, offset chimneys and high-quality materials."

If approved, the development would aim to contribute to local housing needs while promoting sustainable design, biodiversity enhancements and accessible green spaces for the wider community.