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

Strategic Growth Site 1D: Riverside Ice and Leisure Land, Victoria Road.

The Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre was redeveloped during 2017-2019 to provide improved replacement facilities. As part of these proposals, the site as shown on the Policies Map has potential for residential, parking and commercial development.

Amount and Type of Development

  • Around 125 new homes of a mixed size and type including affordable housing;
  • Food/drink and/or retail units;
  • Decked car parking.

Supporting on-site Development

  • Enhanced pedestrian and cycle route links, including contributions towards improvements to Mallard Bridge;
  • Integration of flexible workspace facilities.

Site Development Principles

Movement and Access

  • Development that maximises opportunities for sustainable travel;
  • Main vehicle access will be from Waterloo Lane;
  • Provide pedestrian and cycle connections.

Historic and Natural Environment

  • Preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the adjoining Chelmsford Central Conservation Area and its setting;
  • Generous waterside margin to enable maintenance, recreation and habitat connectivity.

Design and Layout

  • Ensure key public open spaces and routes are fronted by active and complementary uses at street level;
  • Ensure new development makes the most of the waterside location;
  • Provide public art which contributes towards place creation.

Site Infrastructure Requirements

  • Appropriate mitigation, compensation and enhancements to the local and strategic road network as required by the Local Highways Authority;
  • Financial contributions to primary and secondary education provision, and community facilities including healthcare provision as required by the NHS/CCG Provide, or make financial contributions to, new or enhanced sport, leisure and recreation facilities;
  • Provide or make financial contributions to facilitate, sustain and enhance car club facilities for scheme occupiers;
  • Financial contribution towards improvements to Mallard Bridge;
  • 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.