Background to Chelmer Waterside

Chelmer Waterside is a large expanse of land to the east of the city centre. It used to be a gas works and some areas are still industrial. For many years, much of this land was inaccessible to the public. But this area faces directly onto three waterways and is less than a five minute walk from the city centre. This makes it a very attractive and sustainable place to build new homes.

The area has the potential to deliver up to 1,100 new homes. It also has the potential to make the best use of the city’s waterways, namely the River Chelmer and the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Developers have already completed some housing in the area and are continuing work in this location.

We have allocated the whole of the Chelmer Waterside area for housing-led development in our Local Plan. The next step is to set up a guiding vision to plan out housing growth, while protecting the environment. We want to make sure this is a high-quality new neighbourhood for everyone to enjoy.

Next steps

We are progressing the new infrastructure needed to deliver the new homes. This includes a new access road and bridge, relocation of gas mains and some land decontamination.

We have planning permission for the new access road and bridge and the relocation of the Gas Pressure Reduction System. The contractor has also carried out some initial land remediation of the former gas works site.

Construction has started on the relocation of the Gas Pressure Reduction System and the construction of the new access road and bridge. Works are due to finish in spring 2025.