Developments

Essex County Council’s first Net Zero housing development secures planning permission

21 May 2025

10 brand new carbon neutral family homes and a purpose-built community facility for Chelmsford has been signed off by planners this week.

The brand-new development approved this week will see redevelopment of Hargrave House in Great Baddow, Chelmsford. The project will be the first of its kind for Essex Housing, Essex County Council’s award winning development team and it is hoped will set a new standard for homes in Essex. Plans approved include 10 carbon neutral homes and a new facility for Kids Inspire, a children’s mental health charity providing free, specialist trauma recovery support to children and families.

The project will pilot a number of net-zero initiatives. Developed in collaboration with Stanley Bragg Architects, all houses exceed Future Homes Standards and target low operational carbon through the use of MVHR, air source heat pumps, and solar PV panels. Steps are also being taken to reduce embodied carbon by incorporating natural insulation, timber cladding, fired-clay brick alternatives, and cement replacement materials.

Work will now begin on technical design and tendering for a contractor to construct the scheme.

Essex Housing have put a tremendous amount of work into designing this site and so I am delighted with the planning decision taken this week. Not only are we bringing forward new sustainable homes, but we are also able to support the build of a new facility for Kids Inspire that will greatly improve the experience of the families using the service.

Councillor Ray Gooding, Chair of Essex Housing LLP

I’m pleased that planning permission has been secured for this site. Developing our first net-zero homes not only benefits Essex residents, but also contributes to Essex County Council achieving our carbon reduction ambitions.

Cllr Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy