The 22 sites in Chelmsford where schools and thousands of homes may be built by 2031

Thousands of homes will need to be built in the city over the next 17 years, according to council bosses.

Over the last decade, Chelmsford has waved goodbye to a number of buildings, from the iconic Royal Mail site on Victoria Road to the gas works on Wharf Road, but those sites which have stood vacant for years could now be put to good use homing hundreds of people.

In January 2018 Chelmsford City Council published their planning strategy up to 2036 and it involves provisions for a total of 21,893 new homes to be built in and around the city centre, 3,090 of which have already been completed.

The plan has outlined in detail where the council think the remaining of those homes should be built across nine different locations including; Chelmsford City Centre, West Chelmsford, East Chelmsford, North East Chelmsford, Great Leighs, North of Broomfield, North of South Woodham Ferrers, Bicknacre and Danbury.

But it’s not just homes that the new developments will provide, each site will need to contribute to education, health, transport, access and sports and leisure facilities in their area.

There are eight strategic growth sites, 14 growth sites and one opportunity site in Chelmsford city centre that council bosses have earmarked for development.

 

1. Chelmer Waterside

The largest of the strategic growth sites is Chelmer Waterside, to the east of Chelmsford’s city centre.

Chelmer Waterside would comprise of six sites on large areas of previously developed land between the River Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

The sites, which in total could see around 1,100 new homes built, will include affordable housing, along with some non-residential developments.

The largest of the six sites will be Peninsula on Wharf Road, which could have a total of 420 homes built on the site, with the second largest being the former gas works site also on Wharf Road, which could home up to 250 new builds.

The council bought the former gas works site from the National Grid last April, but because the waterways were once used for transit of goods and raw materials, there are a number of contamination tests that need to be carried out before development can commence. 

High pressure gas transmission pipelines and a large bore sewer beneath the gas works site will also restrict what can be built on the site.

The site may also need an archaeological evaluation due to it containing archaeological deposits.

Other Chelmer Waterside sites include; Lockside, Navigation Road, which could have 130 homes built, Baddow Road car park and land to the east of the car park which could be transformed into 190 homes, the Travis Perkins site on Navigation Road which could have 75 homes built on it and Navigation Road sites/ Sandringham Place which could both welcome 35 new homes to the city.

Other infrastructure on the sites include:

Lockside will have 0.13 hectares dedicated for a stand-alone early years and childcare nursery.

The former gas works site will provide new or improved premises for water-based clubs.

All sites apart from the Navigation Road site will need to provide new access routes to serve the strategic growth.

2. Essex Police Headquarters and sports ground

Land at the Essex Police Headquarters complex at Kingston Crescent, Springfield is the second largest proposed site.

The development is expected to provide around 250 new homes between 2026 and 2031, however due to the elevated position of the site buildings will be limited to 2-5 storeys.

The sites existing buildings including the 1902 Police headquarters building, former chief constable’s house, recruits’ accommodation, stable block and gatehouse will all be reused to protect the character of the site.

Other infrastructure on the site includes:

The site, close to Springfield Road, is less than 1km from the edge of the City Centre and will provide pedestrian and cycle connections, and improve existing public footpaths to encourage sustainable travel the site.

Some land will be allocated for a new primary school, there will also be provisions in place for both an early years and childcare nursery and secondary education along with healthcare facilities.

The development could also increase the low levels of public open space in the Trinity Ward through shared use of the new school playing field or additional sports pitch facilities to complement those already at Coronation Park.

3. North of Gloucester Avenue (John Shennan)

John Shennan’s playing field, located next to Moulsham High School, has also been allocated for residential development.

The site, which is currently mainly used by local dog walkers, could provide the area with around 200 new homes between 2026 and 2031.

However, decades ago the land was used for landfill and so any outstanding historic contamination issues will need to be addressed before the development can go ahead.

Just a short walk from two major supermarkets, Tesco on Princess Road and The Co-operative on Gloucester Avenue, and local infant, junior and senior schools and being on a bus route makes the site perfect for families.

Other infrastructure on the site includes:

Despite being just a stone’s throw away from all three Moulsham schools, there will be land allocated for a stand-alone early years and childcare nursery on the site.

Much to the delight of local children and parents the existing play area will be improved, as will pedestrian and cycle routes into the site, and to the Moulsham school premises.

There will also be new or enhanced sport, leisure and recreation facilities with the potential for co-ordination with Moulsham High School’s dual-use sports facilities.

 

4. Former St Peter’s College, Fox Cresent

There could be up to 185 homes built on the land off Langton Avenue between now and 2023.

The former St Peter’s College site is in the Melbourne area of Chelmsford, north west of the City Centre.

The clock tower, a key feature on the site, could be reused and provide a lead for new character.

Other infrastructure on the site includes:

2.5 hectares of land has been allocated for two new special schools on the southern part of the site.

The schools will cater for children aged 7-16 pupils, one would be specifically for children with forms of autism and the other will be for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

The schools will be funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, and Essex County Council.

There would be new pedestrian and cycle connections to all directions from the site to allow easy access to shops, community and sports facilities, as well as bus services.

The site will also have a number of linked open spaces which could include sports areas, semi-natural green space, play areas and community gardens. 

5. Former Royal Mail premises, Victoria Road

For decades, the Royal Mail site on Victoria Road was one of Chelmsford’s most iconic buildings.

However, since 2015 when the building was demolished the site has stood vacant.

In recent months building work has begun on the new development which could see around 150 new homes built by 2026.

The main vehicle access entrance to the site will be from Regina Road or Victoria Road, there may also need to be improvements made to the Regina Road at the Victoria Road junction as a result of the new devlopment.

Other infrastructure on the site includes:

0.13 hectares will also be allocated for a stand-alone early years and childcare nursery.

The public footpath along Victoria Road will also be widened to a minimum of 3.5metres.

 

6. Riverside Ice and Leisure land, Victoria Road

In October 2014, the outdoor pool at Riverside Ice and Leisure centre was closed down following the discovery of asbestos.

Various ideas as to what the area should become were put forward, including a skate park, a ball pool and a beach-like area for sunbathing.

Instead, the pool was filled, costing £200,000, and the land was turned into a 70-space car park earning the council around £120,000 a year.

By 2031 the land could home up to 125 new homes and a shopping area, according to the new Local Development Plan.

The development should provide a mix of size and types of homes including, affordable, appropriately accessible and adaptable housing.

Other infrastructure on the site includes:

The site will also have food and drink and retail units on the ground floor as well as a multi-storey car park.

There will also be improvements made to the existing Mallard Bridge to improve access across the River Chelmer.

 

7. Civic Centre land, Fairfield Road

Part of the Chelmsford Civic Centre land, south of Duke Street adjacent to the city’s train station, could soon have around 100 new homes built on it.

The Grade II listed War Memorial on Duke Street, the locally listed Civic Centre main entrance building, and the character and appearance of the adjoining West End Conservation Area must all be protected. if the development is to go ahead.

As well as residential properties there will be facilities for cultural or entertainment uses, offices and specialist workspace or retail use on the site.

Public space on the southern edge of the site, where it fronts Parkway, will be improved and Marconi Square could also be extended northwards along Fairfield Road.

Other infrastructure on the site includes:

An improved pedestrian and cycle route should link Coval Lane to Fairfield Road, to accommodate people accessing the railway and bus stations.

Routes under the railway viaduct leading to the subway entrance to Central Park, and to new development east of the railway line will also be improved.

8. Eastwood House car park, Glebe Road

Eastwood House is an office building with a large surface parking area which could have around 100 new homes built on it by 2026.

To provide a separation between the office building and residential development, there would be planting and landscaped areas which could also help with surface water management.

The main vehicle access to the development will be from Glebe Road and sufficient parking should be kept for the Eastwood House office workers to use.

Due to the central location the development is expected to include high-quality architecture.

Other infrastructure on the site includes:

There should be a pedestrian and cycle network to the Marconi quarter and the railway station to the south-east.

 

 

Here is everything you need to know about the 14 growth sites in Chelmsford:

1. Chelmsford Social Club and private car park, 55 Springfield Road

Around 90 new homes could be built on Springfield Road between 2022 and 2026.

The main road access to the development will be from Springfield Road, but links from Riverside Ice and Leisure to Springfield Road will need to be enhanced and improvements to Mallard Bridge will also be necessary.

2. Ashby House car parks, New Street

A total of 80 new homes could be built on the New Street site between 2026 and 2031.

The main road access will be located on Brook Street, where there will be a new building frontage.

The development will need to respect the character of Globe House and Marriages Mill which are both listed buildings and avoid negatively impacting Chelmer Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Financial contributions towards improvements to Brook Street will also be required if this site goes ahead.

3. Rectory Lane car park east and west

The two Rectory Lane car parks are just 0.3 miles away from the Anglia Ruskin University.

Due to their close proximity to the university both sites would be perfect for student accommodation.

By 2026 the west car park could accommodate around 75 new homes while the east car park could have 25 new homes.

The east car park

This site would have a main entrance on Chelmer Valley Road.

The character and scale would be determined by adjacent residential developments and the locally listed Cemetery Gatehouse and Lodge on Rectory Lane would need to be protected.

The west car park

The west site would have a main entrance on Broomfield Road and Elms Drive.

There would need to be improvements to pedestrian and cycle connections and King Edward VI School and the John Keene Memorial Homes Conservation Area will need to be protected.

The site, which is expected to have a high quality architectural design, would also retain some public parking provision.

4. Car park to the west of County Hotel, Rainsford Road

Another Chelmsford car park could be lost and replaced with yet more new homes.

Around 45 new homes could be built on the car park to the west of the County Hotel.

The main vehicle access will be from Rainsford Road and will need to protect the listed Trinity Methodist Church and the adjoining West End Conservation Area. 

5. Former Chelmsford Electrical and car wash, Brook Street

Around 40 new homes could be built on Brook Street according to the Local Development Plan.

The main vehicle access will be Brook Street and New Street and the New Street footpath could be widened to 3.5metres if the site is given the green light.

The ground floor of the development will be used for non-residential purposes, which have yet to be decided.

The Grade II listed Marconi 1912 building, and the locally listed Globe House and Marriages Mill will need to be protected.

6. BT Telephone Exchange, Cottage Place

The existing buildings on the BT site could be redeveloped into 40 new homes by 2031.

The development must be respectful of the nearby Grade II listed Imperial House, The Wheatsheaf, locally listed Cathedral Court, and ensure protect the character and appearance of the adjoining Chelmsford Central Conservation Area

7. Waterhouse Lane depot and nursery

By 2026 around 20 new homes could be built on the site.

Before development starts there would need to be an accessible, alternative Parks Depot in place to allow services to continue as normal.

8. Church Hall site, Woodhall Road

Around 19 new homes could be built on the Woodhall Road site by 2026.

Before the development can go ahead the council advised drainage and flood risk assessments should be carried out.

9. British Legion, New London Road

The Royal British Legion is a charity that supports members and veterans of the British Armed Forces and their families.

One of the four buildings used by the charity in Chelmsford could be replaced with 15 new homes by 2026.

Alternative provision of the community use should be secured before development begins.

10. Rear of 17 to 37 Beachs Drive

Around 14 new homes could be built on Beachs Drive by 2031.

As part of the development pedestrian and cycle access would be created into Admirals Park at the south-east of the site to connect to safe pedestrian and cycle routes to the city centre, to the east and wider countryside to the west.

 

11. Garage site, St Nazaire Road

Another of the proposed growth sites is on Nazaire Road.

The site could have 12 homes built on it by 2026 but there will not be an intrusion of privacy into the existing adjacent homes, according to the council document.

Drainage and flood risk management will also need to be undertaken before development begins.

In line with the new development a new pedestrian link to the existing route network will be made and the mature trees and greenery on the site will be kept and maintained.

12. Garage site and land, Medway Close

One of the smaller growth sites is on Medway Close, and could have up to 10 homes built on the land by 2026.

The character and scale will be determined by the adjacent residential development.

 

13. Car park behind Bellamy Court, Broomfield Road

Another site that could have 10 homes built on it is on Broomfield Road.

Aside from respecting the Grade II listed Coval Hall to the west, and protection of the adjoining West End Conservation Area the Council’s Local Development Plan has no other restrictions listed associated with this site.

What is an opportunity site?

An opportunity site is one where a flexible range of uses may be proposed including residential and commercial which will contribute towards regeneration objectives.

Chelmsford city centre has two opportunity sites; Rivermead on Bishop Hall Lane and Railway Sidings on Brook Street.

The Brook Street site is proposed to be used for business or industrial use but the Hall Lane site includes residential use.

14. Rivermead, Bishop Hall Lane

Around 80 new homes of a mixed size and type, including affordable housing, could be built on Bishop Hall Lane.

As part of the development new bridges will be built to Anglia Ruskin University and Springfield Hall Park and the pedestrian and cycle route to Bishop Hall Lane will be improved.

There will also be brand new publicly accessible riverside areas. 

To find out more about the Local Development Plan visit the Chelmsford City Council website.