Plans agreed for over 180 homes in Brentwood
A council report said objections do not outweigh the benefits of the proposal
Plans have been agreed for 182 “high-quality” homes on the edge of an Essex town, despite residents’ fears and concerns. Vistry Group has been given the green light for the development near Doddinghurst Road, near Brentwood and Pilgrims Hatch.
The proposals, described as a “significant step forward” in helping “to meet” local housing needs, include a range of property sizes from flats and up to four bedroom homes. These will be made up of 64 affordable homes and 118 for private sale.
A total of 97 objections were received and a number of concerns were raised including fears about traffic, infrastructure and flooding. One worried resident said: “Doddinghurst Road is still extremely busy, with traffic travelling at well over 30mph often at very dangerous speeds as it is a long straight road – and this would only increase with this development. There are no official crossing sites for the children from this development to cross to reach the local schools.” Despite these fears, Brentwood Borough Council has rubber stamped the plans.
A report by a council planning officer said: “The in principle objections do not hold weight as the site is identified for housing for around 200 dwellings. It is not considered that the objections outweigh the overall benefits of the proposal in providing new housing on an allocated housing site.”
The plans also include various open spaces, a play area, and proposed seating areas, “reinforcing Vistry’s commitment to creating sustainable, long-term communities.” Construction is expected to commence in early 2026, with the first homes anticipated for completion in winter 2026.
Peter Willis, managing director at Vistry Eastern Home Counties, said: “At Vistry we are committed to delivering the mix of homes that communities need so we are very pleased to have received planning permission for this site in Brentwood, representing a significant step forward in helping to meet local housing needs. This is a really exciting milestone for Vistry and our valued partners and supply chain. We look forward to bringing this project to fruition.”