At its core lies the UK’s first large-scale ‘climate positive’ community, a trailblazing development led by bio-based construction technology innovators, HEMSPAN®.
Designed to redefine sustainable living, Rochford Park will not only set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility but also fuel a thriving regional economy and create high-quality, future-proof jobs for Rochford residents.
We have submitted a request for pre-application advice from Rochford District Council in respect of our proposals for Rochford Park. The pre-application advice process allows applicants to obtain initial views and feedback from the Council on proposed development, prior to making a formal planning application. The contents of pre-application advice are not usually made public. However, further to recent community involvement in proposals for Rochford Park, and in the interests of transparency, we have taken the decision to publish the material that we submitted to Rochford District Council in this respect. You can view the materials submitted here:
Rochford Park Vision Document
Planning Report – Rochford Park Factory Site (Pre-app)
Hemspan – Rochford Park Pre-App Cover Letter 090525
Appendix 1 – Rochford Park Factory Site (Pre-App)
Appendix 2 – Rochford Park Factory Site (Pre-App)
Appendix 3 – Rochford Park Factory Site (Pre-App)
Appendix 4 – Rochford Park Factory Site (Pre-App)
Appendix 5 – Rochford Park Factory Site (Pre-App)
We want to continue to work alongside the Rochford community to bring this vision to life. Your views and ideas are important to us, and we look forward to hearing them as the plans develop.
This website will be the hub of our consultation, so please register to receive updates and stay connected as we shape the future of Rochford, together.
At the heart of our proposals
A state-of-the-art HEMSPAN® factory, purpose-built to deliver the components for around 2,000 high-performance homes per year for delivery and construction across the region. Utilising the innovative BIOHAUS®system – a Category 2 Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), this major investment represents a transformative opportunity for Rochford.
The facility is expected to create around 500 new jobs and offer numerous skills, career development and training opportunities for residents. Championing sustainability, the factory will prioritise the use of locally sourced materials, including hemp grown in the region.
The first showcase for the new HEMSPAN® factory will be Rochford Park
Rochford Park is a 130-hectare site located northeast of Rochford, featuring around 2,000 climate positive homes. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have. Please do get in touch and sign up to receive future updates.
Carbon Positive Living
Future-Focused Construction
The Power of Hemp
Factory
A new HEMSPAN® factory
Major investment in Rochford
Long-term venture
Rochford Park
A new, sustainable development
Affordable homes
Native Landscaping
tree planting
Green Gain
Low Risk
Inclusive Living
Smarter Mobility
Everyday Essentials
Sustainable Construction
Smart Sustainability
Community Impact
At HEMSPAN® we believe that the most successful places are shaped with communities, not just for them.
That’s why we’re committed to a genuinely collaborative approach to bring this visionary development to life, working alongside local residents every step of the way.
From the outset, we’re inviting the community to share their aspirations, ideas and concerns. This is not a one-off consultation, it’s an ongoing open dialogue that will continue throughout the process. From promoting the site through the local plan, to co-creating the masterplan, and ultimately submitting the planning application, the community’s voice will be central.
While HEMSPAN® will not be constructing the homes directly, we’ll remain actively involved throughout the journey to safeguard the integrity of our proposals. Any future development partners will be required to fully align with the high standards and values set from the start.
We’ve already begun this engagement by opening conversations with Rochford District Council, Ward councillors, as well as Ashingdon and Rochford parish councils.
Stakeholder Forum
Bringing together various stakeholders, including parish and ward councillors, members of the community and other key partners. This forum will be continuous, allowing us to share, update, listen and evolve the project with real-time feedback. Further details will be shared here and via parish council channels.
Core research
We are exploring independent market research across Rochford on a range of topics to ensure we have a broad and representative views from the community. Again, updates on this initiative will also be shared here and with the parish councils.
Next steps
As we move forward, we will broaden engagement through public exhibitions and inclusive workshops, making sure everyone has the opportunity to shape the future of Rochford Park. We invite you to register below to stay informed as this exciting journey unfolds.
If you would like a paper copies of any of the materials produced, please call 020 7939 7987 or email planning@pavilionpa.co.uk with your address and they will be sent by post.
Your feedback is important as it will help us shape the proposals ahead of our application submission.
Latest from HEMSPAN® and Rochford
ADAM Architecture Appointed to Design UK’s First Large-Scale ‘Climate Positive’ Community at Rochford Park
ADAM Architecture, known for its work at the Duchy of Cornwall developments at Nansledan in Cornwall and Poundbury in Dorset, has been appointed to master plan Rochford Park – a pioneering 2,000-home development by construction technology company HEMSPAN®
Rochford chosen for ‘climate positive’ housing factory
HEMSPAN® has selected Rochford as the first location for a new housing manufacturing facility, capable of producing 2,000 homes annually.
Rochford could become sustainable development hub
HEMSPAN®, a Cambridge-based construction technology business, has identified three areas in the UK for its new 1,000-home per year manufacturing facility: Cambridgeshire, the South West and Rochford in Essex.
Stay Connected
The public exhibition will now be followed by a virtual drop-in event later in July – details will be published here but please register for updates to receive your personal invitation.
A stakeholder forum is being formed, with representatives from the parish and district councils, which will meet for the first time in July.
Please register your email for automatic updates on the site’s development.
Please see our Privacy Statement for information.
Pavilion PA Limited collects personal information when you register on this website or lodge comments about the proposed development. By completing this form you agree to Pavilion processing your data and sending you information (if you have provided an email address) about the project on behalf of Hemspan.
Under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2000, we have a legal duty to protect any personal information we collect from you. We will only use personal information you supply us for the reason that you provided it for. We will only hold your information for as long as necessary to fulfil that purpose. We will not pass your information to any other parties. All employees and contractors who have access to your personal data, or are associated with the handling of that data, are obliged to respect your confidentiality. If you have any concerns please contact our Data Protection Officer on 020 7939 7950 or planning@pavilionpa.co.uk.
Development Team
Hemspan
HEMSPAN® is a construction technology business developing bio-based, circular systems to capture and store atmospheric carbon in buildings. Our BOPAS certified BIOHAUS® system is setting the benchmark for design and performance in construction technology, using bio-based materials to eliminate embodied carbon for new homes.
ADAM Architecture
Ceres Property
Ceres Property offers planning appraisals, representations, appeals, and hearings for various uses and projects across the south and east of England and also the Midlands.