More Chelgate Local Planning Success

Chelgate Local helped obtained consent for two projects during February: a 480-home Redrow Eastern project west of Billericay in Essex was approved by Basildon Council, and a 45-home Bellway Thames Gateway project in Chipping Ongar, also in Essex, was approved by Epping Forest Council.

London Road, Billericay

Redrow Homes Eastern secured consent for its project on land north of London Road, Billericay, at Basildon Borough Council Planning Committee in February 2025. This is a project we have worked, in particular Michael Hardware, on for almost a decade, through six changes of administration, three draft local plans, two retirements and a baby! The consent secured is for 480 homes with 50% affordable on ‘grey belt’ land west of Billericay. Congratulations to Redrow and the whole development team for an excellent job..

Greensted Road, Chipping Ongar

A Bellway Homes application for 85 homes at Greensted Road, Ongar, Essex, was unanimously approved by Epping Forest District Council also in February 2025. Five of the members, including two ward councillors, unusually congratulated Bellway and its consultants on the early and comprehensive engagement. Comments included: “This is a really good development and it does reflect the cooperation between the parish council and the developer, and also the residents” and “…I think that they should be a lesson to other developers of how to do this”.

The site had a history with a previous refusal and failed appeal in 2022 (not Bellway) which attracted 500 objections and a petition – this application had just 12 objections. Another councillor said: “This is one of those wonderfully happy stories where the residents have had great consultation with the developers: that’s really really lovely to see.” A fantastic job by Bellway Thames Gateway and its consultant team, congratulations.