Three New Office Buildings Approved by Basildon in the Green Belt
Planning permission from Basildon Council for three purpose-built office buildings in the Metropolitan Green Belt near Billericay, replacing dated industrial buildings on previously developed land.
PLANNING APPROVALSBASILDONESSEXGREEN BELT APPROVALS
Andrew Ransome
7/26/20262 min read
In 2025, Basildon Council approved planning permission for the demolition of existing storage buildings on previously developed land near Billericay and their replacement with three purpose-built Class E(g)(i) office buildings.
The proposed offices had a reduced footprint compared with the structures they replaced, delivered biodiversity net gain, and complied with all Green Belt, highways, ecology and amenity requirements.
Redevelopment of Previously Development Land in the Basildon Green Belt
I secured planning permission from Basildon Council for the redevelopment of previously developed land in the Metropolitan Green Belt near Billericay.
The approved scheme involves the demolition of an existing barn and storage buildings — previously used for Class B8 and sui generis storage activities — and their replacement with three modern, purpose-built office buildings (Class E(g)(i)), parking, cycle parking and EV charging.
The Green Belt context required the case to be built around the previously developed land exception in the NPPF.
The existing buildings were established commercial structures, and the land fell clearly within the definition of previously developed land.
Under the NPPF, the redevelopment of previously developed land in the Green Belt is not inappropriate development provided it would not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing development.
The proposed scheme delivered a coherent, well-designed commercial campus in place of the scattered utilitarian structures.
Technical matters requiring resolution included highways access and parking provision, the impact on neighbouring residential amenity, ecological surveys and biodiversity net gain.
Basildon Council was satisfied across all considerations and approved the application under delegated powers.
Planning Application Advice
If you own previously developed land in the Green Belt with development potential, I can advise on whether the PDL exception applies and build the planning case. Contact me to discuss.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
Planning Approvals in Basildon
Planning Application Information
Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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