PROPOSALS have been unveiled for a new housing estate with up to 100 homes on the sites of shops and stables, described as "unsightly areas of previously developed land", in Wickford. 

Merrow Wood Wickford Limited has submitted the plans for demolition of all existing homes, 45, 49 and 49A in Castledon Road, Wickford as well as commercial and equestrian buildings and construction of 97 homes, with open space, landscaping, car parking and associated infrastructure including a main access for vehicles from Castledon Road. 

The site is on the edges of Wickford and is self contained with very limited views in or out of the proposed development area.

The site is a mix of current uses including commercial, equestrian and existing residential properties and curtilage. The site formed part of a draft allocation in the withdrawn Basildon Local Plan 2018. The consultation site states: "Its development will provide positive contributions to local infrastructure, biodiversity net gain, modern and sustainable homes for all requirements tailored to local need."

Plans say during the consultation process the amount of homes was reduced from 140 homes, to 99, then to 97. The proposals also state the development will include "parkland areas" which will "become destination recreational area." It also states there will be 34 affordable homes and 63 market units. 

A consultation presentation with information was available from July 11 and the consultation survey closed on August 1.

The consultation website states: "The plans Merrow Wood are proposing offer a range of benefits, including: over provision of affordable housing; contribution to a range of housing tenures and typologies in the absence of a sufficient housing land supply and delayed Local Plan process; contributions to infrastructure including – education, – highways and sustainable transport, – health and well being, open space and indoor and outdoor sport; redevelop unsightly areas of previously developed land; great footpath links with surroundings and sustainable development with low energy and water demand.