Land promoter Richborough has appointed Redrow Eastern, part of Barratt Redrow, as development partner for its 6.76-hectare site at Danbury, near Chelmsford, Essex.
The partnership will see Redrow progress plans for 72 new homes, including 35% affordable housing. The site, just outside of Danbury village centre, has outline planning permission for a mix of house types, sizes and tenures, alongside extensive public open space. The development will also provide just under £1million in Section 106 contributions towards local infrastructure and community facilities.
The appointment of Redrow Eastern represents a significant milestone for Richborough following a lengthy strategic land promotion process, which saw the site come forward as the largest residential allocation within the made Danbury Neighbourhood Plan.
Extensive engagement with local councillors, stakeholders and the community helped shape the proposals for the site, which is the largest residential allocation within the Danbury Neighbourhood Plan, culminating in Chelmsford City Council’s planning committee approving the scheme in November 2025.
Richborough’s in-house design team developed a landscape-led masterplan, with placemaking principles informed by the Essex Design Guide and Danbury Neighbourhood Plan.
The proposals incorporate landscaped green spaces, children’s play areas, a community orchard and ecological enhancements through native tree and wildflower planting. A network of shared pedestrian and cycle routes will connect with existing village routes, encouraging active travel and creating an accessible, well-connected neighbourhood.
Nick Banks, Senior Regional Director (South East) at Richborough, said: “Danbury has been a long-term project for Richborough, so it’s particularly rewarding to have secured Redrow as development partner and see the site moving towards delivery.”
“From securing an allocation through the Neighbourhood Plan to developing a landscape-led masterplan and achieving planning permission, this has been a real team effort, involving close collaboration with local stakeholders, our in-house specialists and external partners.”
“We’re pleased to have secured a positive outcome for the landowners and look forward to working with Redrow as they progress the plans and bring much-needed homes forward for the local community.”
Simon Wasley, Development Director at Redrow Eastern, added: “Danbury represents an exciting opportunity for Redrow Eastern to deliver much-needed new homes in a highly desirable location.”
“Richborough has done an excellent job progressing the site through the planning process, creating a strong foundation for the next stage of development. We look forward to building on that work as we progress our reserved matters application and bring forward a high-quality new neighbourhood that reflects Danbury’s distinctive character.”
