Major new 250-home development proposed for Hall Road, Rochford

A major new housing scheme has been proposed for land south of Hall Road in Rochford, with up to 250 new homes, green infrastructure and community-focused features planned.

The proposals come from David Wilson Homes, part of the Barratt Redrow group. The development would deliver a mix of one to five-bedroom homes, with 50% of them classed as “affordable”, across various tenures including First Homes, part ownership and affordable rent.

David Wilson Homes says it is aiming to meet housing demand in the area with a sustainable and well-connected scheme. According to the company, “we are committed to working with the local community to achieve the highest quality new development for Rochford”.

The outline planning application is expected to be submitted in September 2025, following the current consultation period, which closes on 24 August. A reserved matters application would follow in 2026. If approved, construction could begin in 2027 and last for around five years.

The latest proposal is opposite the already-proposed 300 new homes from Croudace, in the agricultural field that’s north of Hall Road.

Key development features

• Up to 250 dwellings, ranging from one-bed maisonettes to five-bed houses
• 50% affordable housing across multiple tenures
• Access via improved roundabout on Hall Road
• Minimum 10% biodiversity net gain
• Future Homes Standard-compliant properties, with energy-efficient design, air source heat pumps, EV charging points and solar panels
• Extensive open space, with around half the site undeveloped
• Two Locally Equipped Areas for Play (LEAPs) and a Local Area for Play (LAP)
• Retention of mature trees and hedgerows
• Existing public footpath (Roach Valley Way) to be preserved and enhanced
• New pedestrian crossing on Hall Road under consideration
• Access to a new bus route through adjacent Elizabeth Gardens

Flood mitigation and surface water strategy

The Environment Agency flood map shows all residential buildings will be located in Flood Zone 1, the lowest risk category. Southern parts of the site fall within Flood Zones 2 and 3 due to proximity to the River Roach, but no housing will be built in these areas. Instead, this land will be used for open space.

To manage surface water, a shallow swale up to 600mm deep will divert flows during extreme weather away from residential areas. The system is designed to handle a 1-in-100-year weather event with an additional 45% climate change allowance.

Infrastructure and financial contributions

The developer states that the usual Section 106 (s106) contributions will apply. While no school or healthcare facilities are proposed onsite, financial contributions are planned for local education and health services, in line with Essex County Council and the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board.

Highways contributions are also being considered, with discussions ongoing with Essex County Council regarding mitigation measures and how the site integrates with wider transport infrastructure.

The site is close to Rochford town centre, which is classified as a ‘first tier’ settlement in the district’s Local Development Framework Core Strategy. It’s within walking distance of Rochford railway station, which connects to London, Southend and the airport, and is served by local bus routes.

Commitment to community and sustainability

David Wilson Homes says it will “provide a variety of formal and informal recreational/play space” and retain existing footpaths within a “high quality linear green corridor”.

Green credentials include:

• Air source heat pumps
• Electric vehicle charging points
• Solar panels
• Low-carbon construction standards
• Bird boxes and woodland planting
• SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems)
• Hedgerows and biodiversity-enhancing landscaping
• Flood attenuation basins

The wider Barratt Redrow group has an established presence in Essex. In Hullbridge, the company is completing a 501-home development at High Elms Park. Past projects also include Clements Gate in Hawkwell. Barratt says it has supported local initiatives through its foundation, including the Rayleigh Air Cadets, East Essex Hackspace and Southend Estuary Scouts.