Basildon Council has agreed amendments to a major housing scheme in Burstead that will directly provide 65 affordable homes, with most to be acquired and managed by the council to meet local demand.

At a recent Planning Committee meeting, members approved a variation to the existing planning permission for land north of Kennel Lane, Billericay. The decision clears the way for 180 homes in total – 115 for private sale and 65 affordable – while retaining the previously approved high-quality design and site layout.

Of the 65 affordable properties, 48 will be for affordable rent and will be purchased and managed by Basildon Council. These homes will be allocated to those with the greatest housing need to ensure access to safe, secure and genuinely affordable accommodation. The remaining 17 will be delivered as discounted market sale, offering a supported route into ownership for first-time buyers.

-- Advertisement --

The approved changes revise the affordable housing mix to better match local requirements, increasing the number of affordable rented homes while keeping overall affordable provision at 36 per cent of the development. Affordable homes will be integrated across the site, built to the same standards as market units, and delivered in clusters to support effective long-term management and strong, cohesive communities.

The decision demonstrates how planning obligations and financial contributions can be converted directly into homes for local people. By requiring delivery of properties the council will purchase and manage, the scheme ensures investment from development is channelled into high-quality housing where it is most needed.

Cllr Adele Brown, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Housing and Infrastructure, said: "This is fantastic news for Basildon residents. By securing this planning approval, we are turning financial contributions from development into real, tangible homes that local people can afford.

"This decision shows how the planning system can be used to deliver meaningful benefits for our communities. By securing affordable homes that the council will purchase and manage, we are making sure this development plays a direct role in meeting local housing need and supporting residents who need it most."