Are Hockley Residents Getting a Fair Deal from The Foundry Developments?
Two major planning applications are moving forward in Hockley – Building A and Building C at the Foundry Business Park on Station Approach. These proposals will bring a combined total of 64 new apartments and commercial floorspace into the area. But while developers stand to profit, are local residents seeing a fair return in the form of infrastructure improvements?
The answer lies in the Section 106 (S106) agreements – legal obligations used to mitigate the impact of new development. On paper, contributions have been agreed, but dig a little deeper and serious questions arise about whether these go far enough.
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Building C – 50 Apartments and Commercial Floorspace
Govey Homes Ltd is proposing a large mixed-use scheme for Building C: 50 apartments above new ground-floor and mezzanine commercial units. For a development of this scale, infrastructure pressures are inevitable.
Their S106 obligations include:
- £99,817 for off-site affordable housing (well short of the 35% on-site policy target).
- £25,600 for local NHS capacity.
- £3,890 for libraries.
- £21,690.18 for upgrading two nearby bus stops with real-time displays.
- £7,838 as a habitat mitigation fee (RAMS).
- A pedestrian link to Eldon Way and long-term management of drainage, parking, and public space.
While these payments may sound generous, it’s worth noting:
- The affordable housing contribution is based on financial viability assessments rather than actual need.
- There’s no money for school places, youth provision, or community facilities.
- The scale of residential development – five storeys plus roof terraces – will significantly alter the area’s character without equivalent investment in local services.
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Building A – Conversion to 14 Apartments
Building A (Kilnfield House) is a more modest development, converting existing employment space into 14 flats over four storeys. Despite its smaller size, it too will add pressure on local infrastructure.
S106 contributions for Building A include:
- £7,000 for healthcare.
- £2,372.30 for habitat mitigation.
- £1,089.20 for library services.
- Biodiversity and monitoring fees totalling over £1,200.
Again, we see no mention of education, highways, or public realm contributions – despite a growing population in a constrained part of Hockley.
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So, What’s Missing?
- No education funding, despite families being likely occupants.
- No youth or play space investment, contrary to planning policy.
- No strategic transport improvements beyond two upgraded bus stops.
- A reliance on S106 monitoring fees to Rochford District Council and Essex County Council, rather than visible, resident-facing benefits.
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Why It Matters
Hockley’s infrastructure is already under pressure – from traffic congestion to GP waiting times. New housing must come with real, tangible investment. Section 106 agreements are a tool to achieve that, but in this case, residents may rightly ask: is this really delivering for our community?
The developments are not yet built – and now is the time for residents and councillors to scrutinise what’s being promised, and push for more.