Acton Gardens 3.2

Description

The dwellings are laid out around a public open space, laid to grass and wildflower which incorporates a central seating area that gives the development an open characteristic reflecting the adjacent inter war estates. The scheme also includes 12 allotments that have been laid out and serviced immediately to the east of the dwellings, along with appropriate car parking. This encourages healthy lifestyles, biodiversity and recreational facilities whilst improving access to local foods. All of the units, including the flats, have private amenity spaces designed to Essex design guild principles including two parking spaces each and four visitor's spaces.

Planning History

Following an invitation from the parish, Hastoe commissioned a housing needs survey before examining and identifying a number of possible sites for an affordable housing scheme within the settlement. Public consultations helped narrow and finalise the site, which was an awkward edge of a larger agricultural parcel on the edge of the settlement and within the identified Green Belt. The landowner was happy to release the land for the provision of local needs affordable housing. Initial discussions with planners assisted in finalising the design details and the scheme was approved under the local plan's exception policy for affordable housing.