Country park

Country park

The proposed development will deliver a new Country Park creating a new public open space with improved access and facilities, delivered in a way that preserves the unique characteristics of the River Chelmer valley and enhances existing habitats.

The Country Park will provide new opportunities for recreation for new and existing residents with waymarked walking and cycling leisure routes as well as forming part of the wider strategic sustainable movement strategy for east Chelmsford, with new walkable and cyclable links to Chelmsford city centre and the surrounding area. As such, the country park will encourage exercise and healthy living.

The Country Park has been designed in a way to balance opportunities for recreation with conserving and enhancing existing habitats. The design has also been developed to respect the unique flood plain, river valley, green wedge and conservation area setting, with regard for the key landscape characteristics that give this area its sense of place.

The existing water body is proposed to be retained and enhanced as part of the development. There will be a clear focus on education with bird hides and pond dipping platforms as a resource for visiting school groups and general public.