Councils propose creation of North Essex Development Corporation

The potential to create locally run development corporations has become available following recent legislation changes, and while a decision on whether to proceed will be determined by any rules imposed by Government, North Essex could be the first area in the country to benefit.

Should it proceed, the Development Corporation would be a locally controlled, standalone body with significant powers handed to it directly from Government, which would enable comprehensive infrastructure early in any development.

John Spence CBE, Chairman of the North Essex Garden Communities board said: “This is all about making Essex a better place in which to live whilst accommodating a larger population; it’s about trying to create enough homes for our children and grandchildren whilst enhancing the environmental legacy.

“What we are trying to do in North Essex is of national importance, and it is our belief that the opportunity to create a new development corporation takes the programme to the next level and enables us, if viability is proven, to deliver the vision we have set out.”

Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “We’re committed to preparing for the future to make sure that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren have the chance to live in good high quality homes in the Braintree District with enhanced infrastructure such as  health facilities, schools, green space and roads which are all just as important as the homes.”

A partnership running since 2015, the new communities could see up to 45,000 homes and jobs created over the next 30+ years through the creation of self sustainable planned developments, with infrastructure and key services delivered at the right time.

NEGC Ltd is the company exploring the viability of the three separate projects, which if viable will be built to Garden Community principles over the next 30 years.

The decision on whether to take forward discussions on the Development Corporation plans, and commit funding for the future of the project will be made by each individual Council in the coming days. Each Garden Community is also dependent on the outcome of respective Local Plans which will be examined in the new year.

For more information on the North Essex Garden Communities project visit www.ne-gc.co.uk