FAQs

In the section below, we have answered some of the key questions that you may have regarding the proposed development.

We have a vision to create a new, infrastructure-rich quarter of Southend at Garon East and Bakers Gate. At this early stage, our emerging vision includes:

  • Up to 3,000 new homes across the two locations, delivered as part of a new neighbourhood North of Southend.
  • A mix of homes to meet different needs and life stages, including homes for families, apartments for younger people, homes for later living and affordable housing
  • Local centres providing everyday services, with space for shops, community uses and workspace
  • Education provision such as space for schools or early years education, which is being actively explored
  • New green, natural spaces, including parks, landscape corridors and areas for recreation
  • Improved transport and movement infrastructure including walking and cycling routes, and potential new public transport connections
  • Supporting infrastructure such as utilities, drainage and healthcare contributions
  • Garon East and Bakers Gate covers an area of approximately 153 hectares. The sites is mostly located within the local authority boundary of Southend, although a small part of both parcels overlap into the local authority boundary of Rochford
  • The land is situated between the northern edge of Southend and more rural landscape to the north.
  • Most of the area has been used historically for agricultural purposes, with some of the Garon East site also comprising Garon Park golf course.
  • The majority of “built form”, in terms of future proposed buildings, will be situated within Southend’s boundary.
  • While some of this land is currently used for agricultural purposes, the landowner has decided that it is surplus to requirement and is proposing it be released for development.
  • In light of the significant and growing housing pressures Southend faces, we believe this land is well suited and sustainably located for growth.
  • As part of emerging plans, we are committed to opening up access to the site for long-term benefit, working with the existing landscape and providing connections and spaces that are well-used, whether for activities like running, team sports or for people to grow fruit and vegetables.
  • While we are at an early stage of the process, we have reviewed the site for its ecology value, which while having some hedgerows and other landscape features, is of a low ecology value due to being heavily cultivated and managed.
  • Our future plans commit to exceeding national targets for Biodiversity Net Gain – meaning that in the long-term we hope to bring more nature to this area through creating different habitats that can attract wildlife over time.
  • Transport and movement are a key focus of ongoing technical work we are undertaking in support of the future planning application.
  • Part of our thinking is to make sure there are high quality options for walking, cycling and public transport.
  • Our ambition is to support future residents make everyday journeys as easy as possible to surrounding shops, schools, or places of work.
  • The site does not contain any designated heritage assets, such as listed buildings or conservation areas.
  • There are listed buildings and heritage assets in the surrounding area, and these will be carefully considered to ensure that their setting is acknowledged.
  • In line with best practice, studies will be undertaken to assess any potential for archaeology underground and investigation would be carried out before any building works took place.
  • We are at a very early stage in the process, and this first round of consultation marks the beginning of a wider conversation with you, other local stakeholders and the wider community.
  • We would welcome your feedback by completing our feedback form, to give your views on what is important to you locally, and what types of uses we could bring forward.
  • We will update you, as we develop our vision and designs.

Bellway is keen to maintain regular contact with neighbouring landowners, to ensure any future proposals brought forward are cohesive, and work to within the surrounding context and fabric of north Southend, both what already exists and what is proposed in the future.

  • The land is identified as an area for growth by Southend-on-Sea City Council – described as Sector D in the South East Essex Strategic Growth Locations Assessment.
  • Sector D, covering both Southend-on-Sea and Rochford, has the ability to support un-met housing demand which has grown over time.
  • The Site is also located in a key strategic location, with good transport links to employment opportunities and shopping.
  • Whilst our plans are for a self-sufficient community, the quarter will nonetheless form part of Southend, with any benefits that come forward available for all Southend residents to use.
  • We are hoping to submit an Outline Planning Application in Autumn this year.
  • Should an Outline Planning Application be approved, a Reserved Matters application would then be required for the detailed designs of Garon East and Bakers Gate, which would be submitted across several stages rather than all at once.
  • Should a Reserved Matters application be approved, we would expect construction to start on site no earlier than the end of 2028, which, on the basis of a 2-year estimate for building, means that homes would be ready for occupation no earlier than 2030, along with any supporting infrastructure.