'West Tey': Pre-Development Site Visit

‘West Tey’ is a proposal for a new settlement in central-north Essex. It is the largest of three proposals entitled the ‘North Essex Garden Communities’, proposing the development of 24,000 homes across rural greenfield sites. The scheme is being led by a private company called the ‘North Essex Garden Communities Ltd.’ formed by Braintree district, Colchester District, Tendring, and Essex county council. West Tey is located west of Marks Tey, adjacent to the A120 and the rail route between Norwich and London, offering potential connectivity to the capital and East Anglia, or at least questions about the distribution of services and resources. West Tey is backed by a UK Government feasibility study, yet faces severe opposition from local groups, including an 8,000-signature petition. However, despite the controversy, it is currently unclear what exactly a ‘Garden Community’ entails.

Although already stretched, existing infrastructural lines through the 'West Tey' site, enhance the argument for development compared to sites without, such as 'West Braintree'.

Community Objection: Protesting signs distributed throughout the local area

The suburban/rural edge condition

Suburban living abutted against agricultural hinterlands are harsh masterplanning edge conditions. To what extent would a faded gradient from suburbia-rural prevent residential development?

Existing architectural repetition in the suburban estate adjacent to the proposed 'West Tey' site

Contrast of the London-Norwich infrastructure set in a serene agricultural landscape.

Process of film documentation

Wildlife is clearly evident throughout the existing sites, particularly in hedgerows and woodland.

Countryside cottage, barns, topiary hedges, and agriculture: Rural living conditions in Marks Tey, looking out towards the proposed 'West Tey' site.

Rural communities at Langley Green, the rural end to the 'West Tey' Site.

Wild grassland within the 'Broad Search Area' adjacent to the Feering Falcons Football Ground

Vast arable landscapes within the 'Broad Search Area'

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