45-home residential development at Land Rear Of 176 London Road, Wickford

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 45 homes, open space and infrastructure, with access from London Road and all other details reserved.

“Report by: Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration & Economic Development Enquiries to: James Hughes, Principal Planning Officer, james.hughes@basildon.gov.uk Enclosures: None 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0.1 This application seeks outline planning permission for the erection of up to 45 dwellings, including 50% affordable housing, together with associated infrastructure, public open space and green infrastructure.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately two-hectare site was an equestrian area with stables, paddocks, hardstanding and woodland boundaries, within the Green Belt.

“The site is bounded to the south by existing residential ribbon development along London Road, which lies outside of the Green Belt and forms part of the Wickford built-up area. To the north, east and west, the site is enclosed by established areas of woodland, all of which lie outside of the application site boundary and are to be retained. The site lies within the Green Belt and is not subject to any other specific land use designations.”

Officer report

Earlier site use

A lawful certificate confirmed equestrian use and hardstanding at the site had existed for more than ten years.

“Relevant Planning History (including proximate developments)”

“25/00582/LDCE - Application to establish the lawfulness of use of land and premises for equestrian use associated with the keeping, stabling and exercise of horses and (2) development of hardstanding for over 10 years. Lawful Certificate Granted 19 September 2025.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or contributions, while Anglian Water identified wastewater capacity constraints.

“No objection – Confirmed satisfactory ecological information has been provided in order for ECC Ecology to support the application, subject to conditions relating to:”

“Holding Objection – Confirmed that any water asset(s) within or proximate to the site can be addressed. However, object due to infrastructure constraints relating to wastewater treatment at Wickford Water Recycling Centre (WRC).”

Officer report

Residents’ and town council views

Three objections and one supporting letter were received; Wickford Town Council objected over Green Belt, landscape, transport and cumulative impacts.

“In addition to the above comments received via neighbour representations, a third-party representation was received from Wickford Town Council. The town council’s comments of objection are set out below. Topic Issues Raised Officer Comments…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A resident spoke against the development about noise, privacy and highway safety, and the applicant’s agent spoke in favour.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed cumulative development, neighbours’ privacy and the location of the proposed access road.

“Members discussed the cumulative impact of development in the immediate area of the site, impact on neighbours’ privacy and the location of the proposed access road.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted conditional planning permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement securing affordable housing, contributions and biodiversity monitoring, plus planning conditions.

“That Planning Application No. 25/00470/OUT be granted conditional planning permission, subject to the completion of a S106 agreement to secure 50% affordable housing on site, together with financial contributions towards healthcare improvements, Local Delivery Pilot Scheme, sustainable transport, bus service contribution, travel plan, employment and skills, maintenance and monitoring of the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan for a period of 30 years, open space, sports…”

Minutes