Bloor Homes is proud to be bringing forward revised proposals for new homes, public open space and community uses on land north of Scotts Hill, Southminster.
As you may be aware we previously consulted on proposals for the site in September 2022, holding a public consultation event and community webinar for local residents and stakeholders to understand our proposals and provide their feedback, which has helped shape and evolve our proposals.
Our outline planning application was refused by Maldon District Council in January 2024 and as a result of feedback from the local community and the Council on our previous proposals, we are proud to present our updated proposals for land north of Scotts Hill, Southminster.
Public consultation event
Bloor Homes will be holding a public information event, to understand the views of the local community and stakeholders on the revised proposals.
Tuesday 26 November 2024
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Southminster Memorial Hall, High Street, Southminster, CM0 7DE
The site
The site comprises approximately 14 hectares and is located on the western edge of the village of Southminster, with services and facilities including a rail station, primary school, local shops, small business premises, public houses, sports facilities, and a memorial hall.
Recently, Maldon District Council assessed the site favourably in their Local Development Plan review, stating that:
“On balance it is considered that development of the site would be suitable. The site is located within walking distance of services and facilities in Southminster, including the train station, school and doctors. Walking will be safe from the site, linking with the wider pavement network. The site is large enough to ensure the provision of landscaping, open space, and the maintenance and improvement to public transport.”
Previous application
You may already be aware, Bloor Homes previously consulted on proposals for land north of Scotts Hill, Southminster in September 2022 holding a public engagement event and a community webinar.
Following consultation and consideration of the feedback received from the local community and stakeholders, an outline application was submitted in March 2023 and refused in January 2024 by delegated powers.
A recording of our community webinar, hosted on 29 September 2022.
Site boundary
Indicative residential block
Community uses
Open space
Spine street
Secondary street
Indicative shared surface street
Indicative private drive
3.5m shared foot/cycle path
Pedestrian route
Drainage feature
Hedgerow within open space
Tree within open space
Proposed street tree within verge
Indicative location for local equipped area of play (LEAP)
Revised proposals
Bloor Homes is proud to be bringing forward revised detailed proposals that will deliver a mix of up to 249 high-quality new homes, with 30% of homes being made affordable, meeting Maldon District Council’s affordable housing policy.
The scheme will also deliver open green space for both new and existing residents to enjoy alongside new and enhanced pedestrian and cycle connections to encourage active travel throughout the village.
This new application has been designed to reflect feedback received on the previous proposals and to reflect the character and to meet the needs of residents in Southminster.
Site boundary
Existing employment land
Existing employment building to be retained
Indicative residential block
Open space
Area included for access
Spine street
Secondary street
Indicative shared surface street
Indicative private drive
3.5m shared foot/cycle path
Pedestrian route
Drainage feature
Hedgerow within open space
Tree within open space
Proposed street tree within verge
Indicative location of equipped area of play (LEAP)
Key benefits
A mix of up to 249 high specification new homes, including bungalows
30% affordable homes, including First Homes
Significant public open space, totalling over 4 hectares
New pedestrian and cycle connections
At least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain
A new village green for new and existing residents to meet and enjoy
Financial contributions to enhance local community infrastructure such as schools, healthcare, sports provision, highways, and sustainable transport
A new playground to create a welcoming Village Green
New homes
The revised application proposes a range of innovative and high-quality new house types, which vary in size and tenure, addressing the differing needs of residents in Southminster and the local area.
The new homes have been designed to not only complement the local area but also to allow the development to establish its own distinct sense of place.
As part of the proposals, 30% of the new homes will be designated as affordable, which is a policy compliant amount of affordable housing. This affordable housing will be provided in varying sizes and tenures including affordable rent, shared ownership, and First Homes, offering a range of options for residents looking to get onto the housing ladder.
These affordable homes will be dispersed equally throughout the development (pepper-potted), ensuring that the development is inclusive, and the new homes are attainable for a wide spectrum of society. The design of the affordable dwellings is also indistinguishable from our market homes.
Transport and access
The vehicular access point for the development will be from a single access point to the south of the site off Scotts Hill.
As part of the proposals, the creation of a pedestrian and cycle pathway network is also proposed enhancing connectivity through the site and to the wider area of Southminster, whilst also encouraging active travel amongst its residents. As part of this there will be pedestrian and cycle access to the site from the southeast corner.
The masterplan proposes the creation of transport links, both within the site and to the surrounding network, for pedestrians, cyclists, and the private car, ensuring safe and convenient links to the railway station.
A pedestrian/cycle route is provided at the south-eastern corner of the site where pedestrians can link to the existing footway on Scotts Hill and cyclists can transition onto the road network.
There will be a minimum of 1 parking space per 1 bedroom home and 2 spaces per 2+ bedroom home. All new homes will be provided with electric vehicle charging points.
Landscape and open space
Landscape plays an important role in the sustainability of a development. Therefore, as part of the proposals, development of the site will deliver landscaped public open space of over 4ha for both new and existing residents to enjoy.
Access to nature is important for the health and wellbeing of residents, and this will be incorporated throughout the new scheme.
We will ensure that the visual impact is limited, and to do this, we will retain as much existing mature high-quality trees and hedgerows as possible. This will help to soften and screen the proposed development from views in the surrounding landscape, as well as providing a mature landscape setting for the new housing.
Additionally, a biodiversity net gain will be achieved through retaining existing trees and hedgerows and enhancing these with extensive new planting within green spaces and along green corridors. Different types of species will be welcomed and housed in different types of habitats, from grassland to hedgerows to wetland, all native to the Dengie Peninsula and Essex.
Through our proposed mix of planting and maintaining existing vegetation, a policy compliant biodiversity net gain of at least 10% will be secured.
Drainage
The flood risk on the site is low. However, some areas of the site appear to be at some risk due to the low-lying nature of the existing topography, but this does not have a significant effect on development.
The drainage strategy will comprise a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) and features to provide storage on the development for all storm events, with a 40% buffer for climate change.
Indicative timeline
November 2024
Consultation opens
November 2024
Public consultation event at Southminster Memorial Hall
November 2024
Submission of planning application to Maldon District Council
Spring 2025
Anticipated determination of application
Have your say
We would like to know your thoughts on our proposals for new homes on land north of Scotts Hill, Southminster.
Please take a moment to complete the survey below. It will only take a few minutes.
You can also speak directly to a member of the project team by contacting us via:
Call: 0800 148 8911
Email: info@bloorhomes-southminster.co.uk
Write: Freepost MEETING PLACE CONSULTATION (no stamp required)
Bloor Homes has been building quality homes for 50 years and is now one of the UK’s leading housebuilders.
As the largest privately-owned housebuilder in the UK, Bloor has a proven track record in delivering successful new communities. We take great pride in delivering high quality and energy efficient homes and our designs have evolved over the years of customer feedback. Bloor Homes is widely regarded for its build quality and customer satisfaction, with a 5 star HBF rating awarded by its purchasers, it is one of the leading developers on the Trust pilot review forum. Bloor Homes mission is to create better life experiences, one home at a time.
