* Commercial property with adjacent land * Sustainable location with a rural character * Glass Houses on site extending to over 105,700 sq ft * Site extends to approximately 33.2 acres (13.4 Ha) * Medium to long term development potential. * Offers sought by 12 noon on 14th March 2025

SITE LOCATION * The property is located within Rettendon Place, a small village near Battlesbridge in Essex. It is approximately 10 miles from both Chelmsford and Southend on Sea, and c. 3 miles from South Woodham Ferrers.

* The village is connected by both road and rail, with easy access to the A130 trunk road linking the town to the A13 and A127 and the A12 Ipswich/London trunk road to the north.

* Battlesbridge railway station is on the London to Southend Victoria line, with a fastest journey time to the capital of c. 43mins.

* A regular bus service runs between South Woodham Ferrers and Basildon which stops directly outside the property with a journey time of just under 40 mins to Basildon Bus Station.

SITE DESCRIPTION * Highway access to the site is from Woodham Road to the northern boundary. The surrounding land uses are mainly agricultural, residential and the Rettendon Lodge Events company is adjacent to the east and to the south is the Hayes Country Park, which is badged as luxury Park Homes (lodges) for the over 55’s.

* The property comprises the site of Smithfield Nursery which may be suitable for a commercial occupier in existing format

* Buildings on site are comprised of glasshouses and storage units, extending to a total of over 105,700 sq ft (GIA)

* The southern land parcel extending to 24.6 acres is currently subject to a farming tenancy arrangement which may be terminated at short notice

* The total site area extends to approximately 33.2 acres.

PLANNING * The site is within Chelmsford City Borough who are currently reviewing their Local Plan. The Preferred Options (Regulation 18) consultation closed in June 2024, and the next stage is to consult on the Pre-Submission Local Plan (Regulation 19) in February 2025 until mid-March 2025. The Plan will then be submitted for Examination (late 2025).

* The site is within the Metropolitan Green Belt. The revised NPPF requires Green Belt allocations to be reviewed where housing need cannot be met.

* Draft Strategic Policy S6 makes provision for an increased number of overall new homes of 22,990 (1,210 dwellings per annum).

* It is considered that although the Council are moving forward with preparation of the new Local Plan, the buffer has been reduced to such a significant extent (to 1.5%), that additional sites may need to be found.

* The Council has not undertaken a review of the Green Belt boundaries to identify any sites suitable for development.

MARKETING INFORMATION Services * Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries with the relevant service providers.

Tenure * The site is to be sold Freehold with vacant possession.

Overage * The vendors would prefer to receive offers that include an overage proposal in the event of future change of use.

VAT * Any guide price quoted or discussed is exclusive of VAT. In the event that a sale or any part or right attached to it becomes chargeable for the purposes of VAT and as such, the tax shall be payable by the purchaser.

Easements, Wayleaves and Rights of Way * The land is offered subject to, and with the benefit or burden of all existing wayleaves and easements, whether or not specifically referred to in these particulars.

Data Room * Access to a Data Room containing all relevant information is available upon request.

Viewings * Viewings should be arranged by prior appointment with the selling Agent. Applicants should note that Strutt and Parker take no responsibility for any injury or accidents on the property. Viewers and visitors do so at their own risk.

Method of Sale * Strutt and Parker have instructions to place the property on the market with a view of selling it at the best consideration which can be achieved as a result of the marketing campaign.

* The Vendors do not undertake to accept the highest or indeed any offer. Informal tenders should be sent to tony.lockwood@struttandparker.com and received by no later than 12 noon on 14th March 2025

Contacts Tony Lockwood Director tony.lockwood@struttandparker.com 01245 254624 07789 221241

Harry Cole Graduate Development Surveyor harry.cole@struttandparker.com 01245 254626 07818 240654

This property has 33.2 acres of land.