First residents arrive at new Earls Colne development

The first residents have moved into their homes at a new housing development which is taking shape in Earls Colne.

Construction work at Bellway’s Harvard Place is progressing well, with the first properties now completed and occupied at the site off Station Road.

A total of 90 homes are being delivered by Bellway at the development. There will be 54 properties for private sale, including two, three and four-bedroom houses, as well as 36 affordable homes for rent or shared ownership.

Harvard Place, which launched in November last year, has been named after the Harvard Warbird aircraft which was used to train RAF pilots during the Second World War and now offers flying experiences to members of the public from nearby Earls Colne Airfield.

Jenny Walker, Sales Director for Bellway Essex, said: “Harvard Place is already proving to be a highly sought-after development for buyers from across Essex and now that the first residents have moved into their homes, we are looking forward to seeing a thriving new community taking shape.

“The development is situated within walking distance of the village centre and boasts an attractive rural location while being within easy reach of nearby towns such as Halstead, Braintree and Colchester.

“We are delivering a wide range of homes to suit buyers at various stages of the property ladder. All properties are from Bellway’s Artisan Collection – a new range of house types that combine traditional craftmanship and attention to detail with the latest construction techniques.

“As well as providing much-needed new homes, we have also made an investment of more than £500,000 in local services and facilities as part of the planning agreement for the development. These contributions will be used to fund local education, healthcare, outdoor sports pitches, play spaces and allotments for the benefit of new residents and the wider community.”

First-time buyers Chantelle Brown, 27, and Mark Shynn, 30, are among the first residents to move in at Harvard Place. The couple purchased a two-bedroom semi-detached house at the development, having previously rented a one-bedroom flat in Colchester.

Chantelle said: “We had looked at about four or five other developments in the area but nothing we viewed felt right. After searching for about a year, we found Harvard Place.

“The development’s location was a big factor for us. We like that the site is tucked away but is not far from the high street and we are close to work. I can get to Braintree for work in about 25 minutes and Mark can get to Colchester in about 20 minutes. We also have countryside right on our doorstep which will be great for going for walks.”

A selection of two, three and four-bedroom houses are currently available at Harvard Place, with prices starting from £284,995.

Help to Buy is available on homes at the development priced below the regional price cap of £407,400 for the East of England. The Government-backed scheme enables first-time buyers to purchase a home with just a five per cent deposit and 75 per cent mortgage. The remaining 20 per cent is provided as an equity loan, which is interest free for five years.

Bellway’s three-bedroom Quilter showhome at Harvard Place is available to view by appointment.

For more information, visit bellway.co.uk or call the site on 01787 844309.