A 32 acre site situated on Ashdon Road on the north-eastern edge of Saffron Walden. The former Acrow galvanizing factory was acquired by Ridgeons in the mid 1980’s and partially occupied by them as a builders merchants.
Working in partnership with Ridgeons as landowner, Turnstone is delivering a new 64,000 sq ft building merchant unit on the site for Ridgeons. Practical completion of this and associated access works occurred in November 2016. The new store opened in January 2017. The proposals also included 9 acres of commercial development land and 1.9 acres for restaurant, hotel and local centre development for which outline planning permission was obtained in 2015.
The demolition of the existing Ridgeons unit made way for the development 167 dwellings on the part of the site released by Ridgeons as they move to their new store. Bloor Homes purchased the majority of the residential element in December 2016 on a phased basis. The scheme, known as ‘Mortimers Gate’ is now fully constructed and occupied.
A phase of the commercial development land was subsequently promoted for a change of use for 55 dwellings and a small retail unit. Planning permission was won on appeal in 2018. The housing plot was sold to Stonebond for the construction of an affordable housing scheme for Clarion Housing Group. The sale completed in December 2022.
Part of the commercial development land was sold to tool and plant hire company GR8 in April 2021, who have constructed a 20,500 sq ft of commercial space, of which about 7,000 sq ft will be for its own occupation. A further commercial plot is currently under offer.
A plot of c.0.5 acres remains available, suitable for retail and residential use. The freehold is available. Please contact Carter Jonas (Callum Middleton) on 01223 790435.
A further adjoining site, owned by Uttlesford District Council, is being promoted for residential development. An appeal for 12 dwellings is awaited.