Town Centre

Basildon

In September 2022, Iceni were delighted to receive a positive decision on a major urban development project in Basildon Town Centre, working on behalf of Infrared Capital Partners. The outcome followed a two-week public enquiry following an appeal against non-determination of the original planning application.

The appeal followed Iceni’s involvement as a supportive interested party in two other public inquiries in the calendar year for neighbouring developments, which were also allowed through the appeal process.

The scheme Iceni were involved in from point of conception to the granting of permission through the appeal decision in September 2022, was an outline application and comprised the redevelopment of a major part of the town centre. The proposals include the retention but consolidation of the exisiting shopping centre to provide a mix of uses and improvements to both the bus station and the public realm. The proposals range in heights up to 21-storeys to accommodate the provision of up to 2,800 new homes including student accommodation, later living and co-living.

The proposals and planning process were years in the making and will now move forward through reserved matters applications to develop and finesse the scheme design over the coming months and years. The process to date has been a true tribal effort, with planning, townscape and heritage and 5-year housing land supply at expert witness evidence provided at the inquiry, as well as EIA, archaeology and sustainability expertise given as part of the original application.