The UK’s best place to live has been named as a town in Essex – and now plans for 233 new homes have been submitted to expand it. Eight nine homes will be affordable says developer Bellway
Plans for over 200 new homes have been proposed for an Essex town recently named the UK’s top place to live. Bellway, the developer behind the project, aims to introduce 233 new homes in Saffron Walden, as well as a public open space and two children’s play areas.
The housing firm intends to offer 144 properties for private sale and 89 affordable homes at Radwinter Gardens, a development located on a 45-acre site south of Radwinter Road. The plans were submitted to Uttlesford District Council following a period of public consultation.
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Bellway’s vision includes a range of two to five-bedroom houses for the private market, alongside one and two-bedroom flats and two to four-bedroom houses as affordable options.
Each home would be equipped with electric vehicle charging points, solar panels and bicycle storage. The proposal also outlines a new bus route through the site and a designated area for a Car Club scheme, aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
The development would boast a tree-lined main boulevard, hundreds of newly planted trees, native shrubs and hedges, species-rich wildflower grass, ornamental hedge, and newly created ponds.
Two new children’s play areas, complete with timber play equipment, are part of the plan, along with a network of footpaths and cycleways linking the development to existing pedestrian routes. Subject to planning approval, Bellway hopes to commence construction work on the first homes in early 2026, reports Essex Live.
Ali Maruf, managing director of Bellway North London, has announced a major milestone in their development plans for the Radwinter Road site, said: “Submitting a detailed planning application to the local authority represents a very significant step in our plan to develop the Radwinter Road site.
“This would be a sustainable development delivering energy-efficient new homes, green open space accounting for more than half of the total area, and a 10 per cent increase in biodiversity on the site.”
Maruf highlighted the importance of community input, saying: “Consultation with local residents has played a key role in shaping these proposals. Feedback from the 18-day public consultation period, which included a drop-in event at Saffron Walden Town Hall, has enabled us to design a scheme which responds to the needs and aspirations of the community.
“We also worked closely with the council to ensure that the range of houses will meet the requirements of the local housing market and cater for buyers at various stages of the property ladder, as well as providing suitable options for local people seeking homes for affordable rent or shared ownership in the area.”
Saffron Walden, the charming Essex market town, has been crowned the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times earlier this year, with residents praising its “pleasant” atmosphere and “real community feel”.
