A VILLAGE in mid-Essex is set to benefit from investment from a developer whose housing site is close to completion.

The sold-out 100-home Mortimer Place development in Hatfield Peverel is close to being finished.

David Wilson Homes will be making a contribution towards the renovation of the Strutt Memorial Ground.

The community facility received £265,000 of funding from Hatfield Peverel Parish Council and Braintree Council as part of a commitment from multiple housing developers in the area.

Investments from David Wilson Homes include £100,000 for outdoor sports facilities and £60,000 for play equipment, £70,000 towards community building and £26,000 for improvements to public rights of way in the area.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Homes: new homes in Hatfield PeverelHomes: new homes in Hatfield Peverel (Image: David and Wilson Homes)

The play area, which was officially opened by Fatima Whitbread and GB gymnast Courtney Tulloch, was upgraded with new inclusive play equipment and facilities earlier in the year.

It includes a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, basket swing, sit-in springer, play panels for sensory play and a brand-new play unit with tunnels, slides and a climbing tower.

Old paving slabs and surfacing were also removed to create a fully surfaced, smooth play area that is accessible throughout the year.

The developers said they had created about 200 jobs for people in the area during the construction process.

Ray Houghton, head of planning at David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, said: “We’re extremely proud of our Mortimer Place development, as well as our investment in Hatfield Peverel and the surrounding communities.

“We strive to build more than houses and create long-lasting communities that new and existing residents can benefit from.”