Major proposals for 2,000 new homes on green belt land between Thorpe Bay and Shoebury have been revealed, as public consultation opens on what developers describe as a “sustainable new community” for Southend.
The scheme, led by Thorpe Estate Ltd, would transform land at Bournes Green into a large mixed-use development, featuring homes, schools, shops, and what is being described as Southend’s largest park.
The plans include:
- 2,000 new homes, with 900 classed as “affordable” through shared ownership or discounted rent schemes.
- A health centre capable of serving up to 15,000 patients, potentially supporting surrounding communities.
- A two-form entry primary school and nursery, alongside a community and events hub.
- Shops, cafés, and business spaces, designed to create a self-sustaining neighbourhood.
- New walking and cycling routes, public transport improvements, and road upgrades.
- A 10% net gain in biodiversity, with landscaped green spaces and natural habitats.
If approved, the project would bring what developers call a “multi-million-pound investment in local infrastructure”.
A spokesperson for Thorpe Estate Ltd said the development aims to “recognise the city’s significant housing need” while creating “a balanced and sustainable community that enhances local life and access to open space”.
Southend City Council currently faces a shortfall of more than 14,000 homes against Government housing targets. Developers argue that Bournes Green could help close that gap and provide new amenities for residents.
However, the proposal sits on protected green belt land, prompting objections from local campaigners and residents concerned about the loss of open countryside, increased traffic, and pressure on public services.
Local resident Lindsey Hills said:
“Great but make it a stipulation that the developers have to build the health centre, schools, community spaces and infrastructure first before breaking ground on any houses and then let’s see if they are still interested in building on the land. If they’re serious with their proposals then there shouldn’t be a problem should there?”
However, Trisha Todd added:
“Green belt land was designated to keep green spaces open permanently and prevent urban sprawl. Leave green belt land alone – it’s doing an important job.”
Another resident, Brian Robertson, highlighted the need for increased road capacity:
“It’s about time something was done to improve the roads in and out of Southend. A third road is needed directly into the back of Thorpe Bay or Shoeburyness from the A127 to bypass the main town.”
A wider wave of development
The Bournes Green proposal adds to a growing list of large housing schemes already shaping Southend’s eastern edge.
Nearby, The Garrison area in Shoeburyness has seen significant new housing built in recent years, while plans for hundreds more homes at Friends Farm are under consideration. Another major scheme on the Shoebury–Great Wakering border is also progressing, which together could add hundreds of homes to the area.
Local campaigners argue that when viewed together, these developments amount to a near-continuous stretch of new housing that risks eroding Southend’s remaining green boundaries. Developers, however, insist the projects will deliver essential new housing and infrastructure to meet local and national targets.
Public consultation launched
Residents are now being invited to share their views through a public consultation before a planning application is submitted to Southend City Council in the coming months.
Two drop-in consultation events have been scheduled:
- Tuesday 4 November, 3.30pm–7.30pm at Shoebury and Thorpe Bay Baptist Church
- Saturday 8 November, 10am–1pm at St John’s Southend
Feedback gathered from the consultation will help shape the final planning submission.
The Bournes Green proposal joins several other large-scale developments being considered across Shoebury and Great Wakering, as Southend continues to grapple with rising housing demand and the pressure to deliver thousands of new homes within the next decade.