A major new development that will transform farmland on the edge of Great Wakering has been unveiled, amid the government’s ongoing push for new homes.
A developer called Friends Farm Limited has revealed early-stage plans for a hybrid planning application to build up to 360 energy-efficient homes on land east of Shoebury Road.
The scheme forms part of a wider response to national pressure on councils to boost housing supply, with Rochford among many local authorities under scrutiny to meet government housing targets.
Government ministers have repeatedly urged councils to identify sites for development, especially where housing affordability and population growth are placing strain on existing stock.
To help meet these demands, Rochford District Council has been considering various strategic sites, with Great Wakering emerging as a key location due to available land and access to nearby transport links.
The Friends Farm proposal aims to deliver a broad mix of housing, including:
- Up to 360 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for first-time buyers, families and downsizers
- A policy-compliant share of “affordable homes” to help local residents stay in the area
- A new community hub with space for facilities such as a doctor’s surgery, pharmacy and village shop
- A brand-new special educational needs (SEN) school, delivered in partnership with the Omnia Foundation
- Green open spaces, including the retention of the site’s pond as a focal nature area
- Children’s play areas and a community football pitch with changing rooms
In a statement, the developers said:
“The site is well placed to help Rochford meet its growing housing demand, all while providing brand new health and education infrastructure, and public open space for new and existing residents to enjoy.”
“Friends Farm are aware of the local community’s concern regarding capacity with existing services and the pressure new homes may bring. That is why their emerging proposal includes a community hub with space for potential facilities such as a doctor’s surgery, pharmacy and village shop.”
“Two vehicular accesses are proposed. The first off Shoebury Road, at the west of the site, with the second at the north of the site off New Road. Friends Farm is working closely with the Essex Highways to ensure the surrounding road network can accommodate the additional traffic generated by the development.”
The scheme would see agricultural land repurposed for a new residential and community district, though developers say they are committed to retaining natural features and open spaces to ensure a balanced design.
A new special education needs school
The developers are working with the Omnia Foundation to build a brand new special educational needs school for a maximum of 30 pupils. The school will cater to a range of abilities and needs, while offering a diverse range of programs focused on physical activity, arts, drama, cooking, and other non-conventional subjects.
While the Omnia Foundation are currently looking for new home, this new facility will enable them to continue providing this vital provision in the district.
Drainage and flooding protection
Drainage is a key consideration during the design process and this aspect of the proposal will be prepared in consultation with the Lead Local Flood Authority.
To help further boost local habitats and ecology, a sustainable drainage system is proposed in swales running east-west along the green space creating an attractive landscape to alleviate surface water run-off.
Improving connectivity
The developers say that creating an attractive and walking neighbourhood has been core to the design of the masterplan. While the site does not contain a Public Right of Way, there are leisure routes that run around the nature reserve.
This provides an opportunity to create active travel routes that link up with those routes so new and existing residents can enjoy the space.
To support active travel throughout the site, a 3-3.5m wide shared pedestrian and cycleway network is proposed to run alongside the spine road, through green corridors and public open spaces.
Public consultation process
As part of the public consultation process, residents are invited to attend a drop-in event where they can view the proposals, speak to the development team, and share feedback.
Public consultation event:
Date: Tuesday 15th July
Time: 2pm – 7pm
Location: Great Wakering Community Centre, 90 High Street, Great Wakering, SS3 0EJ
A formal planning application is expected to be submitted in Autumn 2025.
The scheme comes as Rochford Council continues developing its Local Plan, which outlines how housing, employment and infrastructure needs will be met in the district over the next two decades. The Great Wakering proposal is expected to play a role in those long-term targets.