THE EMERGING PROPOSAL
OVERVIEW
Up to 1,100 high-quality, energy-efficient new homes forming a brand-new, sustainable neighbourhood.
Up to 50% affordable homes, supporting first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers.
Local centre providing new amenities and services for new and existing residents.
A green heart featuring a neighbourhood park, community orchard, allotments, and play areas.
Tree-lined spine road enhancing the local street scene and providing an attractive travel route.
Sustainable drainage systems designed to manage a 1-in-100-year flood event, with climate change allowances.
Improved pedestrian and cycle links to local amenities, including Barleylands.
Biodiversity net gain and enhancements through new hedgerows, tree planting, and improvements to existing natural features.
Proportionate contributions to support local infrastructure and public services.
high-quality new homes
The layout and design of the scheme have been shaped by the Essex Design Guide and the architectural character of the area.
It will be guided by a site-wide design code to ensure that the final scheme is sensitive to the local context and landscape.
A range of types and tenures of homes can be created to serve a mixed and balanced community, from first time buyers, to families, to retired people and those with mobility issues.
In doing so, Obsidian will broaden housing choice in Billericay and support local aspirations to get on the housing ladder and own a home.
affordable housing
We understand that there is a lack of genuinely affordable homes for local people. It is wrong that young people are increasingly being priced out of Billericay. Up to half of the new homes will be policy-compliant affordable and starter homes, offered across a range of types and tenures.
highways and access
Three primary access points off Southend Road are proposed, including a new three-arm roundabout. The proposed amendments along Southend Road will encourage lower traffic speeds.
The tree-lined spine road will create an attractive travel route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Obsidian is working closely with Essex Highways to ensure the development does not create severe impacts on the surrounding road network.
As a result, Obsidian’s design process is informed by an up-to-date traffic study and, where necessary, mitigation measures will be put in place to upgrade the local road network.
Connectivity
Obsidian’s proposal provides an opportunity to improve connectivity between Billericay, South Green, and Great Burstead, with the site ideally located to promote sustainable trips to local facilities.
The site is very well located in respect of public transport, and bus stops will be enhanced along Southend Road to provide safe and comfortable waiting areas for passengers which will be of benefit to both new and existing users. The proposals will also support the long-term viability of these services through increased patronage.
Obsidian will retain and enhance the existing Public Right of Way that runs across the site and provide new footpaths to improve safety for pedestrians along Southend Road.
A new comprehensive network of footpaths within the site will knit the area together, as well as improvements to pedestrian and cycle infrastructure on Southend Road between Billericay and Barleylands.
public open space
Obsidian’s landscape-led approach has placed creating new public green spaces at the centre of the design process.
A neighbourhood park at the heart of the new community is proposed to create an attractive entrance gateway. The proposal includes a diverse range of green and open spaces for all to enjoy:
A community orchard and neighbourhood green for informal gatherings and relaxation.
Natural and formal play areas thoughtfully located throughout the site.
Retention and enhancement of the existing Public Right of Way, offering improved accessibility, scenic routes for walking, socialising, formal and informal play opportunities, and connecting with nature.
Recognising the high demand for allotments, which Basildon Council currently operates a long waiting list, Obsidian’s plans include new allotment spaces.
These will give residents of all ages the opportunity to grow their own food, connect with nature, and enjoy the benefits of gardening.
landscaping
By placing nature at the heart of the design, the scheme will protect and enhance existing green corridors, trees, and habitats. It will also introduce new open spaces and planting to support local wildlife, helping to boost biodiversity.
The site benefits from extensive vegetation, including well-established hedgerows. The indicative masterplan retains and enhances existing field boundaries and restores historic ones through new planting.
Additionally, there is opportunity to incorporate broad, green ‘edges’ to the sites southern, western and eastern boundaries to reflect the existing open character while introducing new native tree planting to soften the impact of new homes.
drainage
Obsidian know how important drainage is as a local issue in Billericay. That is why their Development proposals are underpinned by a robust drainage strategy.
The surface water drainage strategy will incorporate numerous Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDs) features such as attenuation basins, swales or bio-retention strips, rain gardens and permeable pavements, and rely upon controlled points of discharge into the existing on-site ditches and watercourses, rather than into existing public sewers.
All rates of discharge will be restricted to pre-development greenfield rates with an additional allowance for the effects of future climate change, and all subject to prior agreement with the Lead Local Flood Authority.
Areas of open SuDs features shall also be integrated with the landscaping proposals for the scheme to improve amenity facilities and enhance biodiversity.
The foul water drainage strategy will be designed to accommodate the requirements of the phased development and involve a new on-site sewer network and a number of associated pumping stations to control and discharge flows into the adjacent existing public sewer network, all in conjunction and agreement with the statutory sewerage undertaker.
local services
Obsidian’s application will provide proportionate funding to level up local services, including education, health and highways.
The commitment to investing in local services will be enshrined through the Section 106 Agreement as part of any planning permission.
The final financial contribution will be negotiated with Basildon Council in consultation with consultees such as the NHS.
Adhering to Basildon Council’s policy requirements, land has been earmarked for potential Gypsies and Travellers pitches.