2,000 new homes planned for 130-hectare farmland site in Rochford

A bold new proposal could see 2,000 ‘climate positive’ homes built on 130 hectares of farmland in North-East Rochford, as part of a major eco-development called ‘Rochford Park‘.

The scheme, being led by bio-based construction firm called Hemspan, would include a factory to produce the homes near the site and create around 500 direct and in-direct jobs.

The location of the new development is near Brays Lane and Apton Hall Road. It would cover farmland, stretching alongside much of the existing Ashingdon area.

Hemspan says the development would form “the UK’s first large-scale climate-positive community”, with houses built using its BIOHAUS® system. The company says the homes would not only be net-zero but actively remove carbon from the atmosphere and generate their own energy – aiming to cut household energy bills and environmental impact.

The homes would be manufactured locally in a dedicated new facility that forms part of the plan. The company says this site will then continue producing around 2,000 homes per year for other sustainable developments beyond Rochford Park.

Matthew Belcher, founder and CEO of Hemspan, said:
“Rochford was selected for the first facility due to the availability of local materials, skilled labour and proximity to Baltic Wharf. The factory and Rochford Park are both significant investments and will certainly impact positively on the local economy and help set a new standard for sustainable development in the UK.”

He added:
“This innovative factory is a significant inward investment. It will not only make Rochford a centre of excellence for sustainable development, but the impact of the investment on the local economy will be immense: it will provide employment for local people and will offer valuable skills and apprenticeship opportunities for young people from the local area.”

The plans are being developed in collaboration with Adam Architecture and Ceres Property, who are experienced in planning appeals and design representation. Hemspan says it will also partner with local schools and colleges to deliver training and career pathways for young people in the area.

A planning application is being prepared and is expected to be submitted later this year. The company has already started early conversations with Rochford District Council, ward councillors and both Ashingdon and Rochford parish councils.

A Hemspan spokesperson said:
“We believe that the most successful places are shaped with communities, not just for them. That’s why we’re committed to a genuinely collaborative approach to bring this visionary development to life, working alongside local residents every step of the way. From the outset, we’re inviting the community to share their aspirations, ideas and concerns. This is not a one-off consultation, it’s an ongoing open dialogue that will continue throughout the process.”

The development would be subject to a public engagement process, with exhibitions, workshops and forums involving residents, councillors and stakeholders.

While Hemspan will not construct the homes themselves, any future development partners would need to align with the company’s environmental and ethical standards.

Rochford is increasingly being seen as a focus for large-scale development, with several sites now under consideration by national and regional firms. If approved, Rochford Park would represent one of the largest housing and factory investments in the district’s recent history.

Drop-In Exhibition Event

The event will be an opportunity to meet the development team, learn more about their proposals, ask questions, and share your feedback in person.

It will be held at: St Mark’s Hall, Rochford, SS4 1PT on Wednesday 18th June, 12-8pm.

There will be a chance to hear a briefing on the project from Hemspan CEO, Matthew Belcher, at 2pm, 4pm and 7pm.