DETAILS of a new town which could see up to 5,000 homes built has been revealed.

Parker Strategic Land is promoting designs for a development called Kings Dene which could be built on land to the north of Kelvedon.

The site is not allocated as part of Colchester, Braintree and Tendring’ councils’ Local Plans but it will be assessed as an alternative option to the three garden communities at West Tey, east of Colchester and east of Braintree.

A new website detailing the proposals has been set up following initial meetings with stakeholders like Kelvedon Parish Council.

It states: “Kings Dene has the potential to create a positive future for new and existing residents alike. With the existing high-quality environment, transport connections and railway station at Kelvedon, Kings Dene promises to be well connected and provide a sustainable, convenient and healthy way of life.

“As Kings Dene evolves, it will continue to provide traditional family homes of all sizes and tenures, a community heart, education and District Centre, along with community-focused centres, high-quality public open spaces and sports provision for all to enjoy.”

According to the website, Kings Dene will include a “station quarter” acting as an interchange for public transport connections.

A community hub featuring a mix of homes, businesses, retail units and facilities will act as the hub of the development, surrounded by a park area which will include a green corridor.

Several other parks, open spaces and sports facilities are also included in the designs.

Plans also state a new secondary school, two neighbourhood centres and an employment campus with a range of businesses space would be created for residents.

The developer says it will provide a new link road to relieve existing congestion in Kelvedon and create a northern access road to the station. The site is tied closely with the proposed route of the new A120, which has not yet secured Government funding.

A spokesman for Kings Dene said: "Kings Dene is a proposed extension to Kelvedon which would provide affordable homes for local people, new education facilities including a secondary school, additional railway station carparking, and a link road to relieve congestion in Kelvedon village.

"The proposals also include a local centre linked to the existing High Street with healthcare and leisure facilities, together with green open spaces to be enjoyed by new and existing residents.

"With the North Essex Authorities currently consulting on ‘Garden Communities’ as part of the Local Plan, it’s important sustainable options are considered for the future of Braintree and North Essex.”

Rosie Pearson, secretary of the Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex (Cause), said: “The site is one which popped up very late in the day during the call for sites.

“They are using the new A120 as a justification for it being a great location.

“The council’s obsession for garden communities has led to this. The council’s have been obsessed with this 5,000 home figure and developers are being encouraged to go big.

“The councils also haven’t explained why they are going for their garden community strategy properly and that plays into the developers hands.

“If you live in these areas where these alternative plans are people are understandably worried.”

Visit kingsdene-kelvedon.co.uk.