Bellway has finalised the purchase of an eight-acre site off Greensted Road in Chipping Ongar, clearing the way for a new residential development known as Haycroft Gardens. The scheme will deliver 85 new homes, ranging from one-bedroom maisonettes to five-bedroom family houses.

The project received unanimous approval from Epping Forest District Council's planning committee in early 2025, with final permission granted in December. Following the land purchase completion on 23 January, Bellway is scheduled to start work on-site this March. The first residents are expected to move into their new homes in early 2027.

Haycroft Gardens has been designed to meet specific local needs, with a heavy emphasis on family-sized accommodation and accessibility. The 85 homes will be divided as follows:

• Private Sale (51 homes): A mix of two, three, four, and five-bedroom houses.

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• Affordable Housing (34 homes): Representing 40% of the site, these will include one and two-bedroom maisonettes and two to three-bedroom houses available via low-cost rent or shared ownership.

All 34 affordable units will be constructed to be accessible and adaptable for wheelchair users. Ed Brading, Sales Director for Bellway Thames Gateway, noted: "Almost three-quarters of the homes will be family-sized properties with three, four or five-bedrooms in line with local housing need. Haycroft Gardens will also include a significant proportion – 40 per cent – of affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership."

As part of the planning agreement, Bellway will provide a £1.4 million investment into the Chipping Ongar community. This funding is earmarked for a variety of essential services and infrastructure upgrades, including:

• Education & Healthcare: Funding for early years education and local health facilities.

• Transport: Nearly £400,000 for highways, including improvements to the A113 Coopers Hill/Brentwood Road roundabout and enhancements to public transport.

• Leisure: Over £408,000 for off-site open spaces, plus on-site investment in sports, community, and library services.

In line with modern biodiversity requirements, the development plans include the planting of new trees, ornamental shrubs, and wildflower meadows to ensure a biodiversity net gain. A central green space featuring a children's play area will serve as the development's social hub.

The construction phase will also support local employment, with Bellway committing to an Employment and Skills Scheme that will create several apprenticeship opportunities throughout the building programme.