National housebuilder Bellway is preparing to start construction work on 178 new homes in Fobbing, near Basildon. Maple Creek will comprise a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, and one and two-bedroom apartments on a 24.2-acre site off High Road.
The development, which received planning permission from Thurrock Council in January 2021, will be built on the derelict former Vange Water Works site, which was most recently used for commercial storage.
Tom Sherriff, Managing Director of Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “Maple Creek will deliver a significant enhancement to this part of Fobbing by transforming a disused brownfield site into a high-quality and attractive residential neighbourhood.
“As well as providing a range of much-needed new housing for the area, the development will also include a large area of green open space for the benefit of new and existing residents.
“We have worked closely with Thurrock Council to ensure that the mix of homes at Maple Creek meets the needs of local buyers, while more than a third of the properties will be available as affordable housing through rent or shared ownership.
“Preparations for the initial groundworks are now taking place and it won’t be too long before first homes begin to take shape.”
As part of the housebuilder’s construction plans for Maple Creek, half of the Fobbing site will be developed into public open space, which will include a children’s play area, woodland and wildlife pond. The development will comprise 119 properties for private sale, and 59 affordable homes for local people, with the first homes due to go on sale in September this year.
