437 homes for iconic Marconi factory site (From Chelmsford Weekly News)
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437 homes for iconic Marconi factory site
9:36am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News
HOUSING plans for an iconic site near Chelmsford city centre have been approved.
Bellways Homes has been given planning permission by Chelmsford Council to construct 437 homes, mixed between flats and terraced houses, on the former Marconi factory site just off New Street.
Also included in the plans are office buildings, retail units, grassland areas, new residential and cycle links to the city.
Access points to the site where radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi based his communications company will be created on Marconi Road, which will also be widened, and New Street.
Marconi ward councillor Jude Deakin said the development is welcomed, although there are some issues nearby residents have worries about.
Mrs Deakin said: “Residents have raised concerns over the entrance from Marconi Road and some still have fears about the additional traffic which will cause them problems.
“I think Marconi was a very forward thing man and this was a chance to have some very innovative designs of buildings and I don’t think this has been achieved.
“In general most of us are pleased that at last something is going to happen. It would be wonderful to see people enjoying a happy life there in the very near future.”
The Grade II listed factory building which opened in 1912 and shut in 2006 will be preserved along with the site’s water tower and power house.
A condition has been added to the approval by the council’s planning committee which states the development within the next three years.
Richard Poulter, vice chairman of the committee, praised the plans and the work which has gone into them.
Mr Poulter said: “The point I’d really want to make is that taking this scheme overall that I am very impressed.
“I’d like to thank the council officers and Bellways for bringing this application so quickly to the council.”
Bellways Homes Essex managing director Richard Burrows said the company was “delighted” to be given permission.
Mr Burrows said: “We have been hugely encouraged by the support we have received from the local community as we have developed our proposals and remain fully committed to regenerating this important city centre site.”
