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Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin - tell us your views!

Welcome!

This website sets out our design proposals for the currently disused site on the canal basin at Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin. We want to hear what you think of our plans so we can take on board your feedback as we continue to develop the project.

The feedback survey is now closed - thank you to everyone who took part. We will feed back once we have considered all the responses received.
About the Lock Hill site
Lock Hill was originally the site of a large granary that served the canal trade. Some time in the 1950s, the granary was demolished and light industrial sheds built on the site. In 1991 planning permission was granted for a mixed development of flats, offices and commercial space, but this expired in 2003. Since then several plans have been suggested for the site but were not granted planning permission and the site has become derelict.

The site was recently sold to a local family who want to develop it as a positive contribution to the village, replacing the dilapidated sheds with new homes that will form a fitting backdrop to the historic canal basin.
Lock Hill is in the Heybridge Basin conservation area and near several listed buildings. We have developed our proposals to be sensitive to this context and to create a fitting backdrop to the canal basin.
About the proposals
We propose to build five new two-bedroom homes on the site – all two storey homes with their own parking and gardens.

The design has been developed to respect the history of the site, creating a distinctive and beautiful new addition to the village. The layout and form creates breathing space to the historic buildings around the site, and visual variety rather than a ‘cookie cutter’ approach. The materials are all traditional to the village – painted timber and brickwork, with contrasting colours for window detailing. An elegant verandah creates shaded balconies to all the homes and draws on the architecture of many traditional waterfront buildings.

Maldon district has a shortage of two-bedroom properties, particularly those suitable for downsizers, which means it is difficult for local families to find suitable housing. This proposal will help meet this shortfall and free up family homes in the local area.
Proposed site layout
View from the west
Floor plans
Who owns the site?

The site was recently bought by a local businessman, Ron Sullivan, who has lived in Essex his whole life. He has sailed the East Coast extensively and walked the towpath often. Ron's intention is to build out the development himself, should planning permission be granted. Ron is working with award-winning Colchester-based architects HAT Projects to develop the design.