Plans for a 300-home development have moved a step closer after the land was sold to developers.

The 51.4 acre site to the north of London Road in Kelvedon has been bought by Barratt and David Wilson Homes for an undisclosed fee.

Outline planning permission for a residential-led, mixed use development was granted at the beginning of last year.

The proposals include 300 new properties, including 120 affordable homes, a new health centre, care home, retail space and early years nursery.

There will also be tree lined roads, open space and landscape buffers, with supporting infrastructure including sustainable drainage and two access points from London Road.

Ben Sinclair, who leads the development team at Savills in Chelmsford, said: "With outline planning permission already in place for a residential-led mixed use development, there was strong interest in the site – being well-connected in close proximity to the A12 and offering the potential to deliver sustainable growth in the shape of high quality housing, retail and community uses.

“The proposed scheme will bring a much needed new health centre to the local area alongside a host of other facilities, as well as significantly contributing to the supply of new homes – delivering a mix of private and affordable properties.”

Tom Wright, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, said: “Having agreed to purchase the land for the proposed development in Kelvedon, it brings us closer to delivering a range of high-quality homes for property seekers in the area.

“We look forward to progressing the plans for this exciting development, which will underpin new jobs for local people, deliver brand-new community infrastructure and bring financial investment to Kelvedon and its surrounding communities.”