New massive 1,800-home village to be built in one of UK’s biggest counties

Plans are underway to build a massive 1,800-home village on green belt land near the A130 in Essex. 

The proposed development would include not just homes, but also a village centre with a supermarket, pub, nursery, and even a potential doctor’s surgery. 

A primary school, country park, and open public spaces are also part of the plans.

The first stage of the planning process has been submitted to Basildon Council, EssexLive reports.

Developer Neil Purvis has asked for a scoping opinion to determine if an environmental impact assessment will be needed before a full application is filed. 

The plans focus on land near North Benfleet Hall Road, between Bowers Gifford and the A130 at Sadlers Farm roundabout.

The proposals, which were submitted just before Christmas, have sparked mixed reactions from local residents. 

While some welcome the promise of new facilities, others are worried about the impact on traffic and the loss of green belt land.

Brian Stapylton-Smith, a 69-year-old local resident, told The Southend Echo: “1,800 homes is an awful lot for the traffic in the area. If they are building that many homes, that’s got to be at least 2,000 more cars on the roads. I think that’s a con of development.”

However, he also acknowledged potential benefits, saying: “If there’s a GP and school, I think that’s a positive for the area. 

“But I just can’t help but wonder what they would do about the transport connections. Traffic will be the main issue with this; it could potentially grind the area to a halt.”

The development, known as “North Benfleet Hall,” could transform the area with a range of new amenities, but infrastructure concerns remain at the forefront. 

Rob Smith, a resident of Page Road, said: “The A130 can get really busy. I cannot think where they will put the roads for this development. If you get any amount of traffic near Canvey, Benfleet, and the A130, it’s gridlocked.”

The plans have been prepared by The Environment Partnership, a consultancy firm supporting sustainable development. 

Further updates are expected in the coming months as the full application is prepared. If submitted, it will need approval from Basildon Council’s planning committee before construction can begin.