The proposed design and layout are inspired by the character of the surrounding area and has developed after pre-application discussions with Thurrock Council.

The development will feature a variety of homes ranging from one and two-bedroom apartments to four bedroom houses, with three-bedroom houses being the most common. Residents are welcomed through a gateway of three-storey apartment blocks with the remainder of homes limited to two-storeys to blend in with the surrounding context. A range of homes are provided with a natural outlook over open space that surrounds the development.

The proposed elevational treatment will reflect the traditional local character of South Ockendon, incorporating red and buff brickwork with a mix of red and grey roof tiles. Material elements such as black cladding and cream render have been applied to key locations throughout the site. Corner-turning homes have been utilised as focal wayfinding buildings contributing to creating a distinctive place.

Parking spaces have been designed to comply with Thurrock standards. Each apartment will have one allocated parking space, and houses will have a minimum of two parking spaces depending on the size of home.

The proposed landscaping of the development is designed to reinforce the existing woodland on the site, specifically the thick tree belt bordering the site on all boundaries and the parcel of land to the east, dedicated to open space by incorporating new areas of native thicket or scrub planting, as well as areas of species rich grass.

An area of open space in the southern area of the site will create a green corridor, which will allow for links to the woodland within the east of the site.

New recreational paths will lead through the proposed development as well as the woodland in the east, to allow public access and recreation. A children’s play area, as well as facilities such as outdoor gym equipment

and seating areas will provide further recreation opportunities. The emerging masterplan seeks to maximise on-site habitat units through the retention of a large parcel of greenspace to the east, which will be sensitively managed to be a species-rich other neutral grassland.

A pond will also be created in this area to add to the biodiversity value of the site. Areas of mixed scrub will also be planted around the site boundaries, buffering the woodland from the development.

A large number of small, and some medium sized trees are also proposed within the residential area. This will deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain of at least 10%, leaving the site in a better ecological position.

Vehicular access is proposed off South Road, with a new pedestrian crossing positioned to the west to enable pedestrians to cross safely and continue their journey by sustainable transport modes.

In order to minimise impact to the site frontage, the design of the proposed arrangement incorporates arboricultural input and considers traffic surveys to determine existing vehicle speeds and visibility

requirements. The design has also been subject to a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit, the details of which will be contained within the Transport Assessment being submitted with the application. Following agreement with Thurrock Council Highways, junction capacity assessments have been undertaken to demonstrate that the development traffic will have an immaterial impact on the local highway network. The proposals include a sufficient amount of off-street parking to ensure there is no overspill onto neighbouring roads.

Woolsington One will provide proportionate funding to level up local services, from education to libraries and medical centres. Woolsington One are in discussion with the NHS and other services about what is required for local services to absorb any extra demand from the development. Woolsington One’s commitment to investing in local services will be enshrined through the legally binding Section 106 Agreement as part of any planning permission. The final financial contribution will be agreed with Thurrock Council.

Woolsington One’s fabric first approach to building materials means new homes will be well insulated and energy efficient to help residents save on their bills. All new homes will be built to the latest building regulations and could include a range of renewable technologies from solar PVs to air source heat pumps and EV charging points.

While the site is located in Flood Zone 1, with the lowest risk of flooding, sustainable urban drainage systems will be woven throughout the final design. These drainage features could include swales and attenuation basins, that will control surface water run off rates. Extensive planting and green open spaces , which are permeable, will also help to support good natural drainage. The final drainage strategy will be designed so that the site can cope with a 1 in 100 year storm event plus allowances for climate change. The final drainage plan will be agreed in consultation with the Lead Local Flood Authority.