Maldon District Council Approves Environmental Impact Assessment for Potential Burnham Housing Development

Strategic Insights -

Maldon District Council has passed an environmental impact assessment screening for a potential housing development in Burnham, submitted by Welbeck Land. The proposed development involves 200 homes, including 30% affordable housing, and 5 hectares of landscaped open space. The plan includes features such as a new habitat creation, a community orchard, and the restoration of historic hedgerows to increase biodiversity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed development encompasses 200 homes, including 60 affordable housing units (30% of the total).
  • The development site spans approximately 11.7 hectares, equivalent to 16 football pitches.
  • Maldon District Council assessed the land as suitable for new housing in its 2023 housing and economic land availability assessment.
  • An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is not required for the site, as determined by the council on August 21.
  • The developer, Welbeck Land, has shared an outline of their vision for public consultation.
  • The development proposes a new through-road to link Mill Road and Stoney Hills, improving infrastructure and accessibility.
  • Walking and cycling connections will be created to encourage sustainable travel in the area.
  • A 'reserved matters' application will be submitted at a later date to confirm details such as building heights, design, and materials.

Statistics:

  • 11.7 hectares: The size of the development site, equivalent to approximately 16 football pitches.
  • 200: The total number of homes proposed in the development.
  • 60: The number of affordable housing units (30% of the total).
  • 30%: The percentage of affordable housing in the proposed development.
  • 5 hectares: The area of landscaped open space planned for the development.
  • 10%: The minimum increase in biodiversity aimed for through the proposed habitat creation and community orchard.

Sources:

  • [Maldon District Council website or press release, date not specified]
  • [Welbeck Land website or online vision, date not specified]
  • [Maldon District Council, "Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment", 2023]
  • [Maldon District Council website or press release, August 21, 2023]