Outline plans for a huge 3,700-home development have been given the green light - despite concerns that it could impact a nearby village.
Brentwood Borough Council passed outline proposals for the homes at Dunton Garden Village at a meeting on November 29.
The development, which could eventually grow to around 4,000 homes, is being envisaged in three distinct areas – Dunton Fanns, Dunton Woods and Dunton Waters – each anchored by a primary school and small-scale local facilities.
The plans also earmark a village centre including a market square, community building, healthcare provision, a pub and takeaways. Sitting alongside is set to be a cricket ground and a football hub.
However, concerns have been raised about the impact on nearby West Horndon which is also set to see 2,000 homes being built near the station.
Both plans would equate to more than half of Brentwood’s housing allocation up to 2033, totalling 7,752 homes that will all be built in the West Horndon area.
Councillor Gemma Houghton, of West Horndon Parish Council, told Brentwood's planning committee that a key concern was the planned move of the doctors' surgery away from the village into the middle of the new development and how West Horndon Primary School could be impacted.
She added it is “critical” an alternative access to Dunton Hills was provided along the eastern boundary to enable emergency service access.
She said: “This surgery is a key service used by residents of West Horndon.
“The parish council is concerned that the removal of this service from West Horndon will have an unacceptable negative impact on residents many of whom are ageing and may not be able to travel."
The development – a key part of the borough’s local plan housing allocation – will also come with an ‘all-through’ secondary school with a community sports hub and three primary schools with early years provision, a children’s nursery and crèche alongside an employment hub will be built.
Councillor Houghton said: “We are also keen to ensure West Horndon primary school pupils are not adversely impacted by new residents of Dunton Hills Village using the existing primary school before the new ones are constructed.”
David Barnes, from CEG, the main land promoter for the village, said: “We are looking at a medical centre coming onto the site and we have had discussions with the doctors’ surgery and they are keen to come to the site. It’s a new facility and a better facility.
“But that surgery is not there to be moved on day one. There is going to have to be a temporary facility provided on site.”
Justin Booij, Brentwood Council’s senior planning officer for the Dunton Hills project, added: “We are totally aware the GP surgery would like to relocate to the development site. They have grown out of their own site and we note there is requirement to ensure the temporary use of Dunton residents that should not overflood the existing facility there. So there is a timing issue with the development of the new health facility within the new site.
“Similar for schools. Essex County Council has commented that it is essential facilities need to be in place when need arises not afterwards.”
Brentwood Council will have to return to agree the detail of developer contributions towards the infrastructure of the project.
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