Two major housing developments are moving closer to reality in England, as plans for new communities on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and in the village of Takeley gather momentum. Both projects promise hundreds of new homes, green spaces, and a renewed focus on sustainability, but each faces its own set of challenges and opportunities as local leaders, developers, and residents weigh in.
On Liverpool’s storied waterfront, a site long associated with the 1984 International Garden Festival is once again in the spotlight. According to BBC News, a computer-generated image released this week offered the public its first glimpse of a planned housing development that could transform one of England’s largest brownfield sites. The vision? Up to 800 new homes, set amid green courtyards and tree-lined spaces, just steps from the River Mersey.
It’s a project nearly two decades in the making. Previous attempts to redevelop the site have faltered, leaving the land largely untouched since the days when the Beatles’ famous Yellow Submarine exhibit drew crowds to the festival gardens. Now, with a new team of developers on deck and local authorities voicing strong support, hopes are high that this time, the vision will become a reality.
"Festival Gardens has the potential to be one of the most exciting and transformational brownfield developments in the country – and I'm delighted to see it moving forward," said Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram, as quoted by BBC News. His optimism was echoed by Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson, who praised the developers’ “fabulous track record in delivering outstanding, innovative and sustainable projects of the highest order.”
The plans are ambitious. The first phase alone would see 440 homes built, including 80 "extra care" homes for supported living and 110 affordable homes. If all goes according to schedule, a planning application for this first phase will be submitted in late 2026, with construction beginning in spring 2027. Two additional phases would follow, ultimately providing up to 800 homes in total.
Yet not everyone is convinced the project is ready to break ground. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the area’s infrastructure, warning that roads, public transport, and other essential services must be upgraded before hundreds of new families move in. There are also calls for new community amenities, with council housing spokesperson Nick Small confirming that plans for a new school are under consideration as part of the development.
In the coming months, Liverpool City Council plans to share more details and invite residents to provide feedback on the proposals. A report recommending the appointment of Urban Splash and igloo Regeneration as development partners is set to go before the council’s cabinet next week. If approved, it would mark the official start of a project that could reshape Liverpool’s waterfront for generations to come.
Meanwhile, in the Essex village of Takeley, another housing proposal is entering a crucial phase. Hill Residential, an award-winning housebuilder, is seeking community input on its plans to develop 108 new homes on Parsonage Road. The site already has outline planning permission for up to 88 homes and a 66-bed care home, but Hill Residential has acquired the land and intends to submit a new application reflecting an updated vision.
According to a statement from Hill Residential, the company now proposes to replace the previously approved care home with 20 additional homes, citing a lack of interest from care home providers. The new plan would deliver 108 homes in total, with a strong emphasis on affordability and sustainability. Forty percent of the homes will be designated as affordable housing, aiming to address local needs and provide opportunities for first-time buyers and families alike.
“We are delighted to be consulting on our plans for new homes in Takeley,” a Hill Residential spokesperson said. “This development will deliver much-needed new homes, green spaces and improved pedestrian links, creating a development that fits seamlessly with the character of Takeley. Listening to local people is a vital part of this process, and we encourage everyone to visit the consultation website and let us know their views on our proposals.”
The company’s vision for the site goes beyond brick and mortar. Plans feature a circular pedestrian route that will connect the new homes to existing public rights of way, making it easier for residents to walk and cycle around the area. A 15-metre ancient woodland buffer, native tree-lined roads, and “Play on the Way” equipment are designed to boost ecology and provide safe, engaging spaces for children. A large play area is also in the works, creating a focal point for families and neighbors to gather.
Environmental sustainability is a key selling point. All homes will be heated by air source heat pumps instead of gas, a move aimed at reducing carbon emissions and future-proofing the community against rising energy costs. The development will also employ sustainable drainage principles and promises at least a 10 percent biodiversity net gain, enhancing habitats for local wildlife and protecting the area’s natural beauty.
Public consultation is at the heart of Hill Residential’s approach. The company has launched an interactive website where residents can review detailed plans and provide feedback throughout September, with all comments due by Friday, October 3, 2025. Hill Residential says it will continue to engage with residents, local councillors, and the parish council to ensure the final proposals reflect community priorities before submitting a formal application later this year.
Both the Liverpool and Takeley projects reflect a broader trend in UK housing policy: the push to redevelop brownfield sites and underused land, while balancing the need for affordable homes, environmental stewardship, and local input. It’s a delicate dance, with each stakeholder bringing their own priorities—and concerns—to the table.
For Liverpool, the challenge lies in ensuring that the new waterfront community is more than just a collection of buildings. Infrastructure, schools, and transport links must keep pace with growth, and the lessons of past failed attempts loom large. For Takeley, the focus is on integrating new homes into the fabric of a rural village, respecting its character while providing modern amenities and sustainable solutions.
As both projects move forward, the next few months will be critical. Residents have a chance to shape the future of their communities, developers are under pressure to deliver on their promises, and local leaders are tasked with balancing ambition against practical realities. If successful, these developments could offer a blueprint for how towns and cities across England can meet the housing needs of tomorrow while honoring the places and people that make them unique.
With public consultations underway and planning applications on the horizon, all eyes are now on Liverpool’s waterfront and Takeley’s Parsonage Road. The decisions made in the coming months will determine not just what these sites look like, but how they serve the next generation of residents.
