Proposals
New high-quality homes and green open space in West Bergholt
Hopkins Homes is looking to bring forward a planning application for new homes, green open space for new and existing residents to enjoy, and biodiversity enhancements. The proposals present an opportunity to help deliver much needed housing through a development designed to respect and reflect the character of the local area.
Key features
Designed to meet the needs of the local community
- A mix of up to 100 high-quality new homes, forming a sustainable extension to West Bergholt.
- 30% of homes will be designated as affordable in line with policy.
- Delivery of a site that is draft allocated, helping to meet local housing needs.
- Landscaping at the heart of the development with public open spaces, green corridors, soft rural edges, retention of boundary vegetation and further native planting.
- Enhancing habitats and wildlife, with at least 10% biodiversity net gain.
- A comprehensive sustainable drainage strategy, designed to manage surface water responsibly.
The site
Site location
The site is located immediately adjacent to our previous development of Bergholt Place and has been identified as a draft housing allocation in the emerging Colchester Local Plan under policy reference ‘PP43’.
The site benefits from good public transport connectivity, including local bus services operating along Colchester Road and Chapel Road, providing regular links to Colchester city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The site is also located within approximately one mile of Heathlands Primary School, local shops, and community facilities. Colchester city centre, offering a wider range of services, employment opportunities and leisure uses, is readily accessible, demonstrating that the site is sustainably located in relation to existing amenities.
The site is situated within approximately a 10-minute drive or 20-minute cycle of Colchester Station, which provides frequent and direct services to London Liverpool Street, Ipswich, Chelmsford and Norwich.
Indicative layout
Masterplan
The Masterplan is an indicative layout, which is subject to change, and we want to hear your feedback wherever possible to help evolve the designs.
The proposals present an opportunity to help deliver much needed housing through a development designed to respect and reflect the character of the local area that places green open space at the heart of the development.
Application boundary
New homes
A range of housing types in keeping with local character
The proposals will deliver a mix of up to 100 high-quality new homes, in a range of housing types, sizes and tenures addressing the differing needs of residents in West Bergholt – including bungalows.
The new homes will be designed to complement the local area and create a community with its own distinct sense of place, whilst respecting and preserving the existing character of the surrounding local area, including Bergholt Place.
As part of the proposals, 30% affordable housing will be provided in varying sizes and tenures including affordable rent, and shared ownership, offering a range of options for residents looking to get onto the housing ladder, and helping to reduce the housing waiting list within Colchester.
Planning context
Delivering homes that help meet local housing need
Colchester is facing growing pressures to provide more homes for local people. Current plans already require a large number of new homes to be built each year, and recent national guidance shows that this need is likely to increase further in the coming years. This means that more housing will be needed across the city to meet demand from families, older residents and people looking to stay in the area.
Colchester City Council is currently undertaking a Local Plan review that seeks to address the increase in housing needed locally. As part of this, Colchester City Council has a draft allocation for the site at land north of Colchester Road, West Bergholt as a proposal which could come forward sustainably.
The policy reference number is PP43.
The site can accommodate a mix of up to 100 new homes, open space and associated infrastructure.
Landscape-led approach
Green infrastructure and public open space at the heart
Landscape and environmental considerations are at the heart of the proposals. The emerging plans seek to retain existing trees and hedgerows where possible, introduce new planting and green corridors, and deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain – enhancing habitats and wildlife.
New areas of public open space and walking routes are proposed to be accessible to both new and existing residents, strengthening connections to the wider countryside that is designed to foster community activities and recreational opportunities.
Active travel
Fostering sustainable and active living in West Bergholt
Our development in West Bergholt is designed to encourage active car-free travel through a combination of strategic connectivity, landscape integration and proximity to local amenities.
Flood mitigation
Sustainably designed surface water management to help prevent flooding
Our proposed vehicular access to the site is located via William Sims Close, with the layout designed to prioritise pedestrian movement and active travel. New connections to existing footpaths and public rights of way are also key elements of the emerging proposals. The planning application will be supported by a Transport Assessment to ensure that highway impacts can be appropriately assessed and mitigated.
Site access
Carefully designed access arrangements
Our proposed vehicular access to the site is located via William Sims Close, with the layout designed to prioritise pedestrian movement and active travel. The planning application will be supported by a Transport Assessment to ensure that highway impacts can be appropriately assessed and mitigated.
Commitment to sustainability
Supporting a sustainable future
The proposals include a landscape-led design, biodiversity enhancement and active travel infrastructure, all of which contribute to reducing emissions and improving ecological resilience.
All homes will be designed to be fully complaint with Building Regulation requirements, with high sustainability standards of energy efficiency.
The proposals also include the provision for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure to be provided for all new homes, which will contribute to the scheme’s overall sustainability.
Timeline
Overview of the application process
Timeline is subject to change due to planning and consultation.
March 2026
Launch of consultation.
Spring 2026
Targeted submission of planning application.
Autumn 2026
Expected determination of planning application.
Winter 2027
Anticipated start on site.
About
Hopkins Homes
Hopkins Homes is East Anglia’s largest privately owned housebuilder – renowned for building award-winning new homes with character and individual style. We are committed to excellent design and build quality, which reflects the tradition and character of each individual site.
At Hopkins Homes, we’re proud to have consecutively been awarded the prestigious 5-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF). This exceptional accolade places us amongst the elite homebuilders in the UK and reflects our unwavering commitment to craft, care and social responsibility.
We don’t just build houses, we create homes. You can find out more at www.hopkinshomes.co.uk
