Plans for one of the UK’s largest new garden communities have taken a major step forward, with a planning application submitted for 7,750 homes in north Essex.
The proposed development, on land to the east of Colchester, will deliver not just housing but a full-scale community, including five schools, a health hub and a civic centre—alongside major transport upgrades designed to support the growing population.
Central to the plans is a £186m road linking the A133 and A120, as well as a new rapid transit system aimed at improving connectivity across the area.
Project director Russ Edwards said the proposals reflect “years of dedicated, collaborative” work with local residents and councils.
The application will be decided by a committee of Colchester, Tendring and Essex county councillors over the next 12-18 months.
It was first proposed in the mid-2010s, before a working group between the councils was established in 2021.
A total of 837 homes will be developed in first one of the project, subject to planning consent.
In addition, the planned scheme includes four primary schools, a secondary school and a country park.
A total of 30% of the homes would be made affordable, developer Latimer said.
The development was able to proceed after the councils secured funding for the new dual-carriageway link road earlier in March.
Work on the route could be completed by 2030, according to Essex County Council.