New homes for Boxted Cross

In-person consultation has been undertaken with the local community to understand views and gather feedback to help shape the proposals for Boxted Cross.

In addition to engagement with the local community, we have engaged with local community and political stakeholders throughout the plan making process to help inform the designs where possible.  

• A change to an outline application. The planning application will now be submitted in outline form rather than as a detailed application. This does not change Bellway’s vision for the site, which remains the delivery of up to, and no more than, 150 new homes, together with a new vehicular and pedestrian access, public open space and sustainable drainage systems. Only the details of access are being sought for approval at this stage. Landscaping, layout, scale and appearance will be determined later at the ‘reserved matters’ stage, and residents will have a further opportunity to comment on those submissions.
• A Design Code to guide future design. A Design Code will be set out within the Design and Access Statement to ensure the scheme complements the existing local architecture and the nearby Dedham Vale, with reference to the Boxted Village Design Statement.
• New play facilities. The latest scheme now proposes a locally equipped area for play (LEAP) adjacent to Boxted Straight Road, together with three additional areas for informal play and seating across the development.
• Better walking connections. An additional pedestrian link is now proposed to connect the development with the adjacent public footpath, creating three connections overall and more opportunities for recreational walks.
• More public open space. The development will feature a central green space, with further publicly accessible open space along the northern, southern and western boundaries.
• A greener street scene. The streets within the development now feature significantly more trees, creating an attractive public realm and a greener environment for future residents.

You said: Concerns were raised that local infrastructure and services, including schools, healthcare, public transport and local amenities, may not have sufficient capacity to accommodate additional growth.

We did: The proposals will be supported by appropriate planning obligations and financial contributions (Section 106 agreements), as required by Colchester City Council and other statutory consultees such as Essex County Council.

These financial contributions are expected to support local infrastructure, including additional school places, healthcare provision and transport improvements. The exact requirements will be confirmed through the planning application process, with a legal S106 agreement setting out all the requisite financial contributions and obligations forming part of any planning permission.

It should be noted that dental services are privately operated and therefore cannot be directly funded through Section 106 contributions.

You said: Comments were received about the importance of any development respecting the rural character of Boxted and the setting of the Dedham Vale, alongside requests for meaningful green space, play facilities and better walking connections.

We did: This feedback has directly shaped the biggest changes to the scheme. A Design Code will be set out in the Design and Access Statement, with reference to the Boxted Village Design Statement, to ensure future detailed design complements local architecture and the Dedham Vale.

The scheme now includes a LEAP adjacent to Boxted Straight Road, three further informal play and seating areas, a central green space with additional publicly accessible open space along the northern, southern and western boundaries, an extra pedestrian link creating three connections to the public footpath network, and significantly more street trees throughout the development.

Colchester City Council is currently undertaking a review of its adopted Local Plan to ensure that it remains up to date in line with national policy, development needs and infrastructure capacity.

The proposed site in Boxted Cross is draft allocated in the emerging Local Plan, identifying the site as a potential suitable future location for the delivery of new housing for circa 150 new homes.

There are good local public transport connections, including the nearby Cooks Hill bus stop, which provides regular services between Boxted and Colchester from Monday to Saturday, as well as additional school-day routes.

Boxted Cross benefits from a variety of local facilities, including a playground at King George’s Field, a village hall, Harper’s Café, a primary school and pre-school. Additional services, such as convenience shops and community facilities, are available in Great Horkesley, located close by.

Straight Road provides a direct route into Colchester, offering access to a wide range of amenities including supermarkets, healthcare facilities and Colchester Hospital, as well as two railway stations.