Basildon community benefits from over £297,000 contribution
Persimmon Homes Essex has contributed more than £297,000 to the Basildon community, an investment which has been made possible as a direct result of its Church Park development.
Section 106 allows local planning authorities to agree contributions, arrangements and restrictions as planning agreements or planning obligations and relates to money paid by developers to offset the costs of the external effects of development.
In addition to providing sought-after, quality new build housing, the Church Park development has facilitated a whole host of community benefits, totaling £297,300.
Persimmon’s Section 106 elements include a brand new sports centre, improvements to local road networks and a financial contribution to local healthcare facilities via the local Primary Care Trust. In addition, more than 20 per cent of properties at the development on Church Road-based site are classed as ‘affordable’ to enable local people to remain close to their roots.
Norman Sharpe, sales director for Persimmon Homes Essex, said: “Rarely publicised or acknowledged, Persimmon is not unusual in its behind-the-scenes support for a whole host of local community initiatives - from major by-passes, education and sports facilities to environmentally sensitive landscaping schemes and encouraging school children to grow their own fruit and veg.
“We take our responsibility to genuinely build communities seriously and sensitively. Whilst we have always made hundreds of donations at a very local level to schools and charities across the country, we are surprised at how little is known by the general public of an even larger commitment, often as part of the initial planning consent process.
"We invest huge sums in delivering and improving local facilities and recognise the importance of not only building new houses, but enhancing communities too.”
Church Park currently hosts a beautiful selection of two and three bedroom properties with prices starting from £160,000 for the two bedroom Alderney housetype. Shared equity is available on selected plots.
Church Park is set to become a lovely community with a dedicated open space for residents’ use designed within the development. It has excellent amenities practically on the doorstep with a parade of shops within easy walking distance and local schools and bus stops close by. Basildon town centre is just a short drive away with a train station leading to London in less than an hour.
For more information, visit persimmonhomes.com.
