23 April 2026
Epping Forest District Council gives Vistry the go ahead for 780 mixed-tenure new homes and community facilities at North Weald Bassett, Essex
Vistry, the UK's leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has secured a Resolution to Grant permission from Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) for the delivery of 780 high-quality mixed-tenure new homes and a host of community facilities at North Weald Bassett in Essex.
The application was submitted in accordance with a Strategic Masterplan jointly developed by Vistry and Epping Forest District Council, which was subject to extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation.
The Masterplan aims to ensure that North Weald Bassett maintains its village feel and protects existing community assets. The scheme will also improve the range of local services and green spaces available, with the delivery of a new local centre, Sustainable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), and land reserved for a new community building, health centre and primary school.
The site was allocated for development and removed from the Green Belt in March 2023 following its adoption in Epping Forest’s Local Plan. A Strategic Masterplan was endorsed by the Council in March 2024 which comprehensively planned this site, together with five neighbouring parcels of land.
This is the first of the large sites allocated in Epping Forest District Council’s Local Plan to be approved through planning committee.
James Harkin, Head of Vistry Strategic Land said: “This is a fantastic development that will deliver much-needed high quality homes for residents, as well as providing the vital community facilities required to support long-term and sustainable communities. Working in partnership with Epping Forest District Council and incorporating feedback from the extensive public consultation that has been carried out, has enabled us to produce an application that will have a transformative impact for local residents.”