Works to build infrastructure for the Westcombe Park development in Heybridge - previously known as the North Heybridge Garden Suburb - are set to take place next month.

Plans for the management of construction traffic at the site were approved by Maldon District Council earlier this month, and developer Countryside Properties has since provided more detail on what is planned for the development in the New Year.

In a letter sent to residents this month, Countryside said: "We anticipate that site mobilisation and works to deliver infrastructure on site will commence in January 2022.

"Work being undertaken on site will come forward through a series of phases, as agreed with Maldon District Council, and will begin with phase one and two.

"This first work in phase one and two will focus on the new staggered junctions at Maypole Road, as well as the approved western entrance into the site, with associated drainage and infrastructure.

"Formation of the approved new roundabout on Broad Street Green will also be included in this initial construction."

Temporary access points on Maypole Road and Broad Street Green to build these junctions will be closed when these works are completed, which Countryside anticipates will take around 45 weeks.

The developer said: "Once the new junction on Maypole Road has been formed, the western spur of this junction will facilitate access to construct the approved Langford Road junction.

"The Langford Road junction will be substantially constructed off-line i.e. within the site, thereby minimising impact and disruption to road users."

These junctions will form part of the wider relief road between Broad Street Green and Langford Road that is planned for the homes.

A total of 1,138 homes are set to be built on the site, just north of Heybridge, after the development was given the go ahead by district councillors in October 2019.

A new care home, local centre, shops, medical facilities, primary school and sports pitches are also included in the plans.

Countryside confirmed the first residential phase of 160 homes on the site will begin towards the end of 2022, and there will be a further update before this stage begins.

A full report on the outcome of archaeological investigations on the land is set to be published, while a receptor site for reptiles has been added south of Heybridge Wood.

Further updates from Countryside will be added when they become available here.