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

Strategic Growth Site Policy 3C: East Chelmsford, Land South of Maldon Road.

Land to the south of Maldon Road as shown on the Policies Map, is allocated for a residential development. Development proposals will accord with a masterplan approved by the Council to provide:

Amount and Type of Development

  • Around 100 new homes of mixed size and type to include affordable housing

Site Masterplanning Principles

Movement and Access

  • Main vehicular access to the site will be from a new junction at Maldon Road/Sandford Mill Lane;
  • Provide a well connected internal road network;
  • Provide pedestrian and cycle connections which may include access to the Sandon Park and Ride.

Historic and Natural Environment

  • Minimise the impact on Cross Wood, the tree belt that lines the site to the north and north west;
  • Create a network of green infrastructure;
  • Mitigate the visual impact of the development including the electricity pylons and the sub-station to the east of the site;
  • Provide suitable SuDs and flood risk management;
  • Preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Sandon Conservation Area;
  • Preserve and where appropriate enhance the setting of the Graces Cross listed building;
  • Retain the WWII pillbox to the east of the site and provide interpretation boards;
  • Undertake a Minerals Resource Assessment;
  • Undertake an Archaeological Assessment.

Design and Layout

  • Development should front onto Molrams Lane, Maldon Road and the open space to the east;
  • Provide a coherent network of public open space, formal and informal sport, recreation and community space within the site;
  • Remove low voltage electricity lines from within the site and install electricity cables underground.

Site Infrastructure Requirements

  • Provide appropriate improvements, as necessary, to the local and strategic road network as required by the Local Highways Authority;
  • Appropriate measures to promote and sustain travel through sustainable modes of transport;
  • Provide new and enhanced cycle routes, footpaths, Public Rights of Way and bridleways where appropriate;
  • Financial contributions towards primary and secondary education and early years and childcare provision as required by the Local Education Authority, and towards community facilities such as healthcare provision as required by the NHS/CCG;
  • Provide, or make financial contributions to, new or enhanced sport, leisure and recreation facilities;
  • 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.