17 September 2026
Vistry and Delta Housing mark first handover in 53-home affordable housing programme in Heybridge, Essex
Vistry, one of the UK’s leading providers of mixed-tenure homes, has marked the first handover of affordable homes to Delta Housing. The first six homes were handed over, marking the beginning of a phased delivery programme that will see the remaining affordable homes handed over to Delta Housing by the end of November.
The initial handover comprised two homes for shared ownership, three for affordable rent and one for social rent. The 53 affordable homes form part of the third phase of Westcombe Park, where Vistry is delivering 104 new homes in total. The phase will provide 51 homes for private sale and 53 affordable homes, comprising 36 for affordable rent, 17 for shared ownership and 13 for social rent.
The development provides a varied mix of homes across three blocks of flats and a range of houses and bungalows, including one-bedroom apartments, bungalows and maisonettes, alongside two- and threebedroom semi-detached and detached houses.
Construction of the third phase began in May 2025, and all 53 homes for Delta Housing are now progressing in line with programme. The homes are being built using timber-frame construction, while the three blocks of flats, including the maisonettes and apartments, are being built using traditional masonry and will feature air source heat pumps, hot-water cylinders and electric vehicle charging points to support improved energy efficiency. Three bungalows are also being delivered to the M4(3)B accessibility standard, making them suitable for immediate occupation by wheelchair users.
Westcombe Park forms part of the wider North Heybridge Garden Suburb, a mixed-use development of 1,138 homes located between Broad Street Green Road and Langford Road. It is set around ancient woodland, it is designed with green space at its heart and will include a new primary school and nursery, play areas, allotments, sports facilities and a future neighbourhood centre.
By the end of July 2026, Vistry had completed 294 homes at Westcombe Park.
Peter Willis, Managing Director at Vistry Eastern Counties, said: Reaching the first handover with Delta Housing is a significant milestone for Westcombe Park and highlights the progress being made in delivering a thriving new community in Heybridge. At Vistry, we are committed to increasing housing choice and providing homes that meet a range of local needs. Through our longstanding partnership with Delta Housing, we are delivering a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership properties that will help more people take their first step onto the housing ladder or access a quality home in an area where they want to live. Alongside creating much-needed affordable housing, these homes have been designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind, ensuring residents benefit from high-quality, energy-efficient homes that will serve the community for years to come.”
Despina Mehmet, Development Officer at Delta Housing, said: “We’re pleased to have reached this important milestone with Vistry and to see the first homes handed over at Westcombe Park. The delivery of 53 affordable homes, including homes for affordable rent, social rent and shared ownership, will provide much-needed housing choice for people in the local community. Our partnership with Vistry is helping to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes that are designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of residents. We look forward to seeing the remaining homes completed and welcoming residents to their new homes over the coming months.”