Lundy Close - Planning Decision (October 22)

The Strategic Housing Team would like to provide the following update regarding the development in Lundy Close.

The Council’s design team amended the proposal for Lundy Close, considering feedback from the initial 2019 resident consultation, the 2021 online surveys and comments received as part of the pre-application service carried out with the Local Planning Authority. The planning application went to the Development Control Committee (DCC) on the 12th October 2022, where it received a unanimous vote of approval. To view the Planning Approval, please see website and planning information below:

https://publicaccess.southend.gov.uk/online-applications/

Planning Reference: 22/01214/BC3 Lundy Close

The revised proposal that was presented to DCC, saw the unit numbers reduced from eleven to nine (comprising of five houses and four flats). All the units are no more than two storeys tall. The proposal will also see significant tree planting, comfortably exceeding the ‘2 for 1’ tree reprovision planning policy. The planting scheme (along the eastern boundary) will form part of a ’green corridor’ and be complimentary to wildlife. The development will look to exceed planning requirements by delivering homes that meet the incoming Future Homes Standard. The homes will therefore be extremely well insulated and will use low carbon electric heating in the form of Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Photovoltaic Panels. This means that these homes will have net zero carbon emissions and have the potential to be fully zero carbon in the near future (as the national grid continues to decarbonise). The Council will also use the design of the buildings to further enhance biodiversity. The development will include Swift boxes on the sides of suitable homes and will provide nesting sites to support this species of bird which is in decline. A bike shed with an innovative green roof, will be included to support pollinators and provide additional 'urban greening' to the site.

The next stage towards developing the site will be to run a procurement tender process to engage a main contractor. This process is scheduled to begin by the end of the year, once a main contractor has been chosen. The expected start on site will be mid-2023. However, prior to the main contract being appointed - the Council will be carrying out an Archaeological dig in and around the proposed development site. The date for this work to commence, is yet to be confirmed.