The client acquired the former garage in 2020 with a view to building a mixed use development in the town centre of Wickford. They appointed us to lead this process and having consulted widely at Pre-App with the Local Authority, Highways, Planning Committee Members and shadow Town Council, the planning application is being prepared for submission later this year. Local consultation was important because the neighbouring site has had a long history with three changes of ownership and local resistance to the development and our objective was to bring forward development that could enjoy local support. The proposal is for 27 apartments and three ground floor units for small and medium enterprise in the town centre. The proposal offers 31% affordable units, in line with Local Plan objectives of which seven apartments are offered for affordable rent and three are offered for shared ownership.