Delivering a
High-Quality,
Sustainable
Neighbourhood
The proposals for Land at Kemps Farm are guided by four key principles:
To address Thurrock’s critical shortage of housing, with a particular emphasis on genuinely affordable homes, in a sustainable and well-connected location.
To create a place that is physically and socially connected to South Ockendon, with access to local facilities and services, supporting walkability and community interaction.
To prioritise high-quality design, sustainability, and biodiversity, with green infrastructure present throughout the development.
To invest in new infrastructure, including education and active travel, so that the development adds value to the wider area from the outset.
Illustrative masterplan
The emerging masterplan presents an early concept for how the new neighbourhood and key features could be delivered. It has been shaped by an understanding of the land, its wider setting, and the opportunity to create a distinctive, sustainable, and well-connected extension to South Ockendon. As this is an outline application, the plan shows the overall idea and structure of the development. Details on how the development will look and feel will be dealt with through a separate reserved matters planning application.
Illustrative masterplan (click to expand)
Housing Mix and Affordability
It is proposed that around 800 new homes will be provided in a carefully considered mix of sizes and tenures. The homes will range from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom family houses, allowing for a broad and inclusive community. Our vision for the layout is that it will be designed to promote legibility and variety, with distinct character areas informed by building height, street design, and landscaping.
Affordable homes
Fifty percent of the homes are proposed to be affordable, in line with national policy. This will include a blend of social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership. Affordable homes will be fully integrated throughout the development and built to the same quality and architectural standards as open-market homes. Hill is proposing a tenure-blind development that meets local housing needs and provides opportunities for residents across life stages and income levels.
Illustration of what some of the housing may look like
Education Provision
To support the new community and reduce pressure on existing schools, the proposals include the reservation of a 2.05-hectare parcel of land for a two-form entry primary school, with provision for early years facilities. The location has been chosen for its accessibility and visibility, allowing children from across the neighbourhood to walk or cycle safely to school.
Discussions are ongoing with the local education authority and council to agree the delivery mechanism and timing. The school is intended to come forward in the early stages of the development, ensuring that infrastructure is provided in parallel with new housing.
Access, Movement and Transport
The proposed layout supports a highly walkable and connected neighbourhood. The proposals include two new vehicular access points: one from West Road and one from Dennis Road. Internally, it is proposed that the street network will prioritise walking and cycling, with a permeable grid of routes designed to encourage active travel and reduce car dependency.
All homes will be within easy reach of Ockendon Station, which is located just 150 metres from the southern site boundary. The development supports the concept of a ‘20-minute neighbourhood,’ where most daily needs can be met within a short walk or cycle ride.
Hill is exploring opportunities to support Thurrock Council’s aspiration for a new mobility hub at the station.
Access points (click to expand)
Key features of the proposals to support transport and access include:
Secure and covered cycle storage
Real-time travel information and wayfinding
Cycle hire or e-bike docking stations
Public electric vehicle charging points
Car club parking bays
Parking
Parking across the site is proposed to be provided in accordance with local standards, with a combination of on-plot driveways, street parking bays, and small shared courtyards. Every home will have access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and the layout will be designed to future-proof for changing patterns in car ownership and mobility.
Landscaping and Biodiversity
A significant proportion of the site is proposed to be dedicated to green and blue infrastructure. This includes a new village green, parks, children’s play areas, natural play features, and informal open spaces. Further biodiversity features proposed include new trees and vegetation, and existing hedgerows and mature trees will be retained where possible, helping to define routes and spaces while maintaining ecological corridors.
Additionally, it is proposed that the site’s pond will be enhanced as a biodiversity and landscape asset, contributing to both drainage and habitat objectives. A series of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), such as swales, rain gardens and attenuation basins, will manage surface water on-site while also forming part of the landscape design.
To meet the requirements of national planning policy and environmental legislation, the proposals will achieve a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. This will be delivered through on-site habitat creation, planting of native species, management of green spaces, and integration of wildlife-friendly design features such as bird boxes, log piles, and pollinator planting.
Landscaping features (click to expand)
Design and Character
The overarching design approach is landscape-led, using the site’s existing natural features to create a series of neighbourhoods with their own identity and sense of place. Building heights will generally range from two to three storeys, with a small number of four-storey buildings near the station and other key locations where greater density is considered appropriate. The scheme has been carefully designed with open spaces, and recognisable landmarks, ensuring that residents and visitors can easily navigate the site.
For the detailed design, including new homes, design codes will be prepared to guide subsequent planning applications (reserved matter applications). These design codes will guide the design of new homes to reflect the character of South Ockendon and the wider Essex area. incorporating features such as varied brickwork, pitched roofs, dormer windows, and set-back front doors.
Care has been taken to ensure that homes are outward-facing, with front doors, windows and entrances overlooking streets and public spaces to support safety and interaction. The layout has also been shaped to maximise sunlight, views, and privacy.
All new homes will be constructed to modern sustainability standards, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and thermal comfort. Homes will also be designed to support healthy living, with access to daylight, ventilation, private outdoor space and easy access to green spaces.
Illustrative housing type
Housing types, materials and colour found in the local area