Dandara Unlocks Major Housing Boost For Maldon District

A major step forward for housing delivery in Maldon District is underway, as Outline Planning Permission has been granted for a 160-home development on the edge of Latchingdon. The proposals, brought forward by independent housebuilder Dandara, will see 25 acres of former farmland transformed into a high-quality, landscape-led neighbourhood with homes for all stages of life.

The scheme comes at a time of significant local housing need. In 2022/23, just 191 net additional homes were delivered across Maldon – falling well short of the 310 homes per year required under the council’s Local Plan[1]. With average house prices now around £400,000, more than 11 times the typical local salary[2], Dandara’s investment will help address growing demand with a mix of new homes in a location already popular with commuters and families alike.

Outline permission is already in place for the site, located between Steeple Road and Burnham Road, with a reserved matters approval expected later this year. Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2026, with the first homes scheduled for completion by August that year. The masterplan includes a blend of bungalows and family homes designed in keeping with Latchingdon’s character, using red brick, black weatherboarding and cream render. Homes will be set within generous green infrastructure including walking and cycling routes, two new ponds and a large linear park.

Andrew Wickett, Managing Director at Dandara Eastern, said: “This scheme gives Dandara the genuine opportunity to provide much-needed new housing for Latchingdon in a way that feels sensitive to the village and its setting. We’ve designed a neighbourhood with character, homes that look and feel right for the area, surrounded by open space and natural landscaping, with room for the community to grow. And with at least half of the homes to be affordable, this will help more local people stay close to family, work and support networks.”

The Outline Planning Permission states at least half of the homes will be delivered as affordable housing. Alongside new homes, the scheme will include a 100m² office hub to support local remote workers, and land has been set aside for a future nursery, helping to embed day-to-day amenities within the heart of the neighbourhood.

Sustainability is a key focus throughout. Every home will include an electric vehicle charging point, and the buildings will be designed with high levels of insulation and energy efficiency to reduce heat loss and running costs. A strong emphasis on biodiversity will see wildflower meadows, tree-lined routes and natural play spaces woven into the landscape, delivering a significant net gain for local ecology.

Dandara’s investment is expected to unlock around £2.7 million in local contributions through a S106 agreement – supporting vital services such as healthcare, education, bus provision and libraries.

The site also offers strong transport connections, with Althorne rail station nearby and direct links to London Liverpool Street in just over an hour. A travel plan will promote sustainable travel, including incentives such as bus taster vouchers for new residents.

A World War II Pill Box located on the northern boundary of the site will be preserved and sensitively integrated into the landscape design, providing a visible link to Latchingdon’s wartime heritage.

[1] https://www.maldon.gov.uk/info/7050/planning_policy/9722/monitoring_documents
[2] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/bulletins/housingaffordabilityinenglandandwales/2024