Plans for 10,000 new homes have been approved on the doorstep of an Essex town. Planning permission has been granted for 8,500 homes across six new villages and 1,500 in a seventh village close to Harlow.
The proposals were reviewed and approved by East Herts Council but supported by Harlow Council who are the neighbouring authority. A document shared by the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town shows the close proximity of the proposed villages with Harlow with Harlow Town railway station sandwiched between the potential development and the existing Harlow.
The controversial plans have been granted outline planning permission, meaning the Gilson area development has reached a significant milestone. It is part of a wider Harlow and Gilston Garden Town project.
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Cllr Dan Swords (Cons.), Leader of Harlow Council, said it was a “historic day” for the area “and the future of Harlow and Gilston”. He added: “This Garden Town village planning permission signals transformational growth for the area with 10,000 new homes including 2,300 new affordable homes for local people. Crucially, this is a leading example for the country and ensures the required infrastructure, to transform the area for existing and new residents, is in place.”
Alongside new homes, the development also includes facilities for businesses, retail, sports and leisure and healthcare as well as community spaces, parks and open spaces. There will be new primary and secondary schools and early years facilities.
Cllr Swords added: “So much work has been done to ensure that, unlike many other large developments, this truly is a desirable place to live with seven sustainable Garden Town villages. That means that over 50% of the village area will be made up of public, open and natural green space and that the designs and layouts of the villages are of the very best quality.
“It also means that these new Garden Town villages will not gridlock roads for existing residents in Harlow and the surrounding areas, or put ever increasing pressure on local services such as GPs, but rather the Harlow and Gilston areas are a better place to live, work, raise a family and grow a business for existing residents as a result of the decisions that have been taken to transform local infrastructure.
“This represents one of the biggest planning permissions ever granted and it gives the green light to new Garden Town villages, new homes, more investment, fantastic opportunities and a brighter future for Harlow and Gilston.”
Councillor Vicky Glover-Ward (Green Party), Executive Member for Planning and Growth, said: “We are pleased to issue the planning permissions for the delivery of 10,000 homes and associated infrastructure in the Gilston area. This is a major milestone and an important step in achieving sustainable growth in East Herts, and the wider Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.”
Councillor Richard Roberts (Cons.), Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “The Section 106 agreement represents a significant milestone for Hertfordshire and the Harlow Gilston Garden Town project. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that growth is accompanied by the infrastructure needed to support thriving communities.
“My thanks to all five Councils, who have strived to get the best possible deal for existing and new residents, yet to arrive. We will be proud of this development when it meets the highest build standards with the right infrastructure creating the homes and communities of the future.”