First grey belt success for tor&co

On behalf of clients Gleeson Land, tor&co have secured what is believed to be the first ‘grey belt’ resolution to grant planning permission under the new NPPF rules, which came into effect last December.

The highly sustainable grey belt scheme in Billericay was approved this week by Basildon Council, subject to legal agreement at Committee.

The scheme will deliver up to 250 high quality homes with 50% being affordable homes including a mix of Affordable, Social Rented and Shared Ownership dwellings as well as First Homes.

The landscape-led approach to the scheme will create 7.8ha of open space, play facilities and walking routes as well as a predicted 26% biodiversity net gain.

This outcome follows extensive pre-application discussions with council officers and engagement with the local design review panel. The team at tor&co provided planning and heritage advice and are delighted to be part of this successful outcome, with the planning team leading the submission.

Image courtesy Richards Urban Design