FOR crest nicholson eastern

Bidwells was instructed to obtain planning permission from Braintree District Council or a 50 dwelling scheme on this unallocated greenfield site to the east of Monks Road, Earls Colne, following promotion through the Local Plan.

The planning permission was obtained in the context of a housing land supply shortfall, a technically sound submission package and an officer recommendation for approval.

What we did

• Undertook site identification and initial promotion on behalf of the private landowner

• Successfully introduced the client to the site

• Promoted through the Local Plan on behalf of Crest, which led to planning policy officers and the Local Plan Sub-Committee recommending a draft allocation for the site, however this was removed by Full Council due to unsubstantiated local highways concerns

• Submitted a full planning application, accompanied by robust planning justification and supporting evidence addressing numerous technical constraints in order satisfy a sceptical committee

Result

• Added significant value to a previously unallocated greenfield site currently used as private amenity land

• The scheme’s design quality and mix of family homes were commended by the Planning Committee

• Achievement of planning consent at first attempt avoided a protracted and costly appeal process for the client