Bournes Green will deliver up to 2,000 new homes delivered in a mix of apartments and houses ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom family homes, including 45% affordable homes. The site is a grey belt application demonstrating how development in such locations can be used to significantly improve landscape quality, public access to green space and community infrastructure, while responding to Southend’s pressing housing needs.
At the heart of the masterplan is the creation of a new 23-hectare public park, set to become the largest public park of its kind in Southend. Designed as a shared asset for the city, the park will provide space for formal sports, informal play, walking and relaxation, alongside habitat-rich landscapes that support biodiversity and wildlife. Existing trees, watercourses and public rights of way have been enhanced, creating a distinctive landscape setting and encouraging everyday access to nature.
The wider landscape strategy places green infrastructure at the core of the neighbourhood. Over 40% of the site is proposed as public open space, structured as a connected network of parks and green corridors. These spaces are designed to be easily accessible, linking homes to the park, local facilities and surrounding communities through a legible network of walking and cycling routes.
Community infrastructure is closely integrated with the landscape framework. A new local centre is proposed alongside the park, forming a focal point for daily life and social interaction. The centre includes a primary school, nursery, health centre, community space, shop and café, ensuring essential services are within walking and cycling distance for residents. This co-location of facilities and green space supports healthier lifestyles, reduces reliance on the car and helps create a strong sense of place from the outset.
The masterplan has evolved through engagement with local residents and stakeholders, helping to shape the location of the park, movement routes and community facilities. This collaborative process has resulted in a balanced and future-proof framework that places landscape, infrastructure and stewardship at the heart of Southend’s growth.
