MORE than 700 new homes could be built across a south Essex town, as developers eye up a number of sites in the area and proposals are being drawn up.

Gleeson Land Limited is planning on building up to 250 dwellings off Laindon Road Billericay, developer CEG Group has submitted plans for 380 homes in Greens Farm Lane, Billericay and M Scott Properties Limited is behind proposals for 130 dwellings and a new Lidl store off London Road, Billericay. 

The site identified for 280 new homes is greenbelt land as is the applicant site set to become 130 new homes in the town, while the site earmarked for 250 new homes is partly woodland, which according to the plans is "classified as an ancient woodland and designated as a local wildlife site."

The plans for the development off London Road, show the new Lidl store would include 129 parking spaces including accessible, parent and child and electric vehicle charging bays alongside secured covered cycle storage.

Plans for the 250 homes off Laindon Road, Billericay state there would be a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom properties including 35 per cent of the development being affordable housing. 

A planning statement for the proposed Gleeson Land development says: "The illustrative masterplan, parameter plan, design and access statement and design code show that a high-quality development can be delivered and that it can successfully integrate with the surrounding area.

"The development will also provide 35 per cent affordable housing in excess of requirements together with a (BNG) net gain in excess of 10 per cent, with the exact figure to be agreed as part of the application process."

A design and access statement for the plans for London Road, Billericay says: "The development proposals will be achieved in the following way: 

"The creation of an integrated residential community with a sensitive relationship to the existing settlement, providing a development that is well connected and easily navigated;

the creation of a strong landscape and open space structure through both public and private spaces, providing a range of dwelling sizes and types that offers an accessible and adaptable choice of lifestyles;

and promoting the objectives of sustainable development through layout and design."