Countryside Properties’ vision for Runwell is to create a new 575 homes neighbourhood in a parkland setting between Battlesbridge and Rettendon.
The plans include building 30,000 sq ft of non-residential space including offices, retail outlets, community centre and public house.There will also be land for a primary school.
The HCA has prepared the site and achieved the outline consent which includes converting the Grade II listed chapel into new community s well as improvements to the nearby A132 and Runwell Sports & Social Club.
Mike Goulding, senior area manager at the HCA for Essex and Kent, said: “Runwell is a really good example of how government land can be used for local benefit.
“The houses that will be built here and the related roads and community facilities will really benefit the local area and turn what was a disused hospital into an integral part of the local community.”
Countryside Properties has exchanged contracts with the HCA and is progressing a reserved matters application for the first phase, which could start being built out in late 2014/early 2015.