LAINDON SHOPPING CENTRE
SWAN HOUSING ASSOCIATION

laindon shopping centre

Bidwells was instructed to obtain planning permission for the redevelopment of the Laindon Centre.  The scheme included a new high street with shops, 244 homes, office space, a neighbourhood food store, a modern health centre and a new landscaped public realm enhancing the existing war memorial.  A comprehensive and ongoing public engagement process attracted over 500 letters of support with only eight objections – unprecedented given the scale and nature of the proposal.

What we did

• Provided an initial assessment of market demand
• Advised on the development of a suitable scale and mix of retail and commercial uses to inform the development of the proposal
•  Provided a retail statement in support of the proposals
•  Provided a robust Screening Option Request to demonstrate that EIA was not required, saving the project time and expense
•  Provided a robust viability appraisal to support the application, securing Basildon Council’s agreement to 16% Affordable Housing provision to ensure the scheme remained viable
• Coordinated and submitted a full planning application on behalf of the client

Result

• The committee praised the quality of the submission and resolution to grant was achieved well within the statutory 13 week determination period
• Swan anticipate main construction starting on site with the first phase in early 2018

• The scheme will have a major impact on the regeneration of Laindon and will provide a new focus for the community