Key considerations

The emerging proposals are for up to 800 homes, including a mix of family-sized and starter homes.
The proposals seek to provide 50% affordable housing, in line with emerging policy.

R2 Danescroft’s landscape-led approach has placed the creation of new public open space and green infrastructure at the heart of the design process.
As such, a substantial area of the site will be natural/semi-natural or amenity green space, with a continuous green edge framing the site.
Areas of public open space will be supplemented with accessible, equipped play space and play-on-the-way features integrated into green corridors, streets, and public spaces.
The site already benefits from established hedgerows, trees and vegetation. The emerging masterplan will see these features protected and enhanced, along with the creation of new habitats, that support biodiversity and nature recovery.

Vehicular access to the site is proposed from London Road, reducing pressure on Pound Lane. R2 Danescroft is working closely with Essex Highways to understand potential impacts on the surrounding road network and identify suitable mitigation.
As a result, R2 Danescroft’s design process is informed by an up-to-date traffic study, and, where necessary, mitigation measures will be implemented to upgrade the local road network.

The landscape strategy adopts a blue-green infrastructure approach, integrating sustainable drainage systems within the public realm to manage surface water while creating attractive green spaces, enhancing biodiversity and reinforcing local character.
Rain gardens, attenuation basins, and swales will serve as multifunctional landscape features that contribute to climate resilience and the wider H7 green infrastructure network

The emerging scheme includes a local commercial hub that will serve as a focal point, potentially supporting local services, commercial uses, and broader community needs.
As part of this, R2 Danescroft is seeking to provide an early years (e.g. childcare/nursery) facility to meet local demand and is liaising with the NHS, Essex County Council, and other key stakeholders to understand infrastructure requirements and identify any mitigation needed.
R2 Danescroft will also make contributions to local services, which will be secured through a legal agreement with Basildon Council and Essex County Council.

R2 Danescroft’s proposal creates an opportunity to improve local connectivity and promote sustainable trips to local services, with a network of new cycle and pedestrian routes.
By adopting a master-planned approach, the emerging scheme will be an important part of the allocation’s connectivity network, improving connections among Bowers Gifford, local services, and Pitsea Station.

Within the redline boundary lies a Second World War Pill Box, which has been carefully integrated within the wider green-space network, ensuring that the scheme responds sensitively to its setting.