THE next stage of a controversial development of more than 1,000 homes is underway.

Work has started on the second phase of homes at the new garden suburb at Westcombe Park in north Heybridge.

Bellway Thames Gateway is now in the process of building a further 262 properties on land between Maypole Road and Broad Street Green Road.

Bellway purchased 19.6 acres of land from Countryside Properties, which is leading the overall scheme, known as the North Heybridge Garden Suburb.

The Bellway development is the second of five residential phases to be delivered.

Outline planning permission is in place for the scheme, which includes plans for up to 1,138 homes, a 120-place residential care facility, primary school, community facilities and public open space, all on a 188-acre site.

John Haggerstone, construction director for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “It is good to get work underway at our development at Westcombe Park after receiving planning approval from Maldon District Council in December last year.

“We are pleased to be working alongside Countryside Properties on this ambitious project to create a high-quality, attractive garden suburb where residents will be proud to reside, and which will integrate with the existing community of Heybridge.

“The design of our development has been informed by a series of technical meetings with council planning officers over several months, and we are fully committed to working with the local authority to ensure we deliver a high-quality scheme which will brings benefits to existing and future residents.

“The varied mix of property types we are delivering will meet the needs of a wide range of people, helping to ensure the creation of a mixed and balanced community. Three-quarters of the homes for private sale will be two or three-bedroom houses to cater for young families and the first-time buyer market.

“We will also be creating an extensive network of cycleways and footpaths throughout the site to encourage sustainable modes of travel and enable new residents to easily access the existing settlement of Heybridge.”

The first homes at Bellway at Westcombe Park are due to go on sale this summer.

For more information on Westcombe Park, visit bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway/westcombe-park.