Policy information sourced from the Chelmsford Local Plan 2013-2036 PDF.

GR1: Growth Sites in Chelmsford Urban Area.

Allocated Growth Sites in the City Centre and Chelmsford Urban Area are shown on the Policies Map.

Growth Sites 1g to 1v will be required to provide the following type of development and site infrastructure requirements, and take into consideration the site development principles. In addition, the relevant infrastructure requirements of Policy S9 also apply to these sites. Additional policy requirements and phasing information are then listed in individual site-specific policies. These new developments will be planned carefully using the following principles and with the use of Planning Briefs or Design Codes where appropriate.

Type of Development

  • New homes of a mixed size and type, including affordable housing, where applicable.

Supporting on-site development

  • Integration of proportionate workspace, employment and community facilities.

Site Development Principles

Movement and Access

  • Development that maximises opportunities for sustainable travel;
  • Provide pedestrian and cycle connections;
  • Ensure good access to bus services and bus stops.

Historic and Natural Environment

  • Conserve and where appropriate enhance designated and non-designated heritage assets and their settings;
  • Preserve or enhance the character or appearance of Conservation Areas.

Design and Layout

  • Ensure design and layout supports commercial function, where applicable.

Site Infrastructure Requirements

  • Appropriate mitigation, compensation and enhancements to the local and strategic road network as required by the Local Highways Authority;
  • Appropriate measures to promote and enhance sustainable modes of transport;
  • Provide, or make financial contributions to, new or enhanced sport, leisure and recreation facilities;
  • Financial contributions to early years, primary and secondary education provision, and community facilities including healthcare provision as required by the NHS/CCG;
  • Where appropriate, contributions from developments will be secured towards mitigation measures identified in the Essex Recreational disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) which will be completed by the time the Local Plan is adopted. Prior to RAMS completion, the authority will seek contributions, where appropriate, from proposed residential development to deliver all measures identified (including strategic measures) through project level HRAs, or otherwise, to mitigate any recreational disturbance impacts in compliance with the Habitats Regulations and Habitats Directive.

For more information, please visit Chelmsford’s Local Plan here.