Dandara has completed the acquisition of land in Great Dunmow, Essex as plans for a new garden neighbourhood take a significant step forward.
Set on former farmland close to the Flitch Way walking and cycle route, the 27.8-acre site will combine high-quality homes with generous green space, sustainable design and strong community connections.
A total of 272 homes will be delivered – including private sale, affordable and private-rented homes, plus a number of bungalows – helping meet local housing need while reflecting the area’s rural character and village-edge location.
The layout will feature tree-lined streets, a central green with a play area and walking and cycling routes that link into the surrounding footpath network and the nearby Flitch Way country park. A new bus stop will also support sustainable travel, with land reserved for a future healthcare facility and improved access to local shops and schools.
As part of the scheme, Dandara is contributing around £4.8million through a Section 106 agreement, funding improvements to education, healthcare, public transport and off-site sports provision – as well as upgrades to the Flitch Way itself.
With planning permission expected in late 2025, the first homes are due to launch for sale in spring 2026. A collaboration agreement is in place with CALA Homes, which is delivering 108 homes on the neighbouring parcel.
Andrew Wickett, managing director at Dandara Eastern, said: “This marks another step forward in our continued investment across Essex, supporting local growth through high-quality new homes and long-term infrastructure improvements. Great Dunmow is a place with real potential, and this site adds to a growing pipeline of much-needed housing across the region.”
“Our focus here is on getting the balance right, with a strong mix of housing, great local links and a neighbourhood that feels like it belongs. We know how important it is to create homes people genuinely want to live in, and we’re excited to do just that.”
Every home on the site will benefit from energy-saving features, including air source heat pumps and high levels of insulation, part of Dandara’s fabric-first approach to sustainability. A range of ecology enhancements, including bat and bird boxes, are also expected to form part of the detailed landscaping scheme.
The Great Dunmow development joins a growing Essex portfolio for Dandara Eastern, which includes The Orchard in Little Dunmow, Birch Park in Braintree and Oaklands in Copford. In recent months the business has also announced new land acquisitions in Latchingdon and Billericay, with new managing director, Andrew Wickett, appointed to oversee continued regional growth.