Council submits ambitious application for One Horton Heath
Infrastructure first with 125 acres of open space, ponds and woodland
The Council has submitted an outline planning application for a masterplan and detailed application for the first new homes planned for One Horton Heath. The vision for One Horton Heath is for a major mixed-use development in the heart of the borough, to the west of the present Horton Heath village, and is the largest Council-led project in the south of England.
The masterplan for the 310-acre site, which will be developed over a 10-year period, include 2500 new homes of which 35% will be affordable, a new local centre, three-form primary school, seven acres of employment and seven acres of mixed-use retail. Around 40% of the area, or 125 acres, will not be built on and will include formal open space, play provision, ponds and woodland.
A full application for the first new homes provides detailed plans for 393 new homes to include a mix of houses and apartments, and underpins the Council’s commitment to fast-track delivery that meets local housing need.
A year-long consultation with local stakeholders and the community was undertaken to help shape the development in a way that most benefits the local area and existing community of Horton Heath.
Council Leader Cllr Keith House said, “This exciting scheme is the most comprehensive ever developed by the Council, through our in-house One Horton Heath project team. As both landowner and developer, the Council can ensure that new homes are delivered alongside the provision of the right infrastructure which will include roads, a school, local centre and open spaces and can focus on the creation of an excellent place to live.
He added, “Around 125 acres will not be developed at all but provide high quality open spaces and enhanced biodiversity with improved woodland, more ponds and the extensive planting of more trees. By ensuring we provide homes that are built to a high standard and creating an environment where people want to live we are confirming our focus is on place and people and not profit.”
These applications come after work started on the construction of vital new road infrastructure last year that will help take traffic away from rural Burnetts Lane and remove some through traffic in both Fair Oak and Horton Heath
The Council, in its role as Local Planning Authority, will now formally consider the proposals and anyone wishing to find out more information or to comment can do so via the online planning register.
The planning application numbers are O/20/89498 and F/20/89500
Visit the One Horton Heath website