Video: From NIMBY to YIMBY: How a collaborative approach helped secure unanimous approval for new housing scheme in Blackmore

From NIMBY to YIMBY: How A Collaborative Approach Helped Secure Unanimous Approval for New Housing Scheme in Blackmore

Taking a collaborative approach to housing development design helped SME housebuilder Anderson Development Group secure rare unanimous planning approval for Fitzroy Place, its scheme of 40 new homes in Blackmore, Brentwood. 

This marks a rare achievement in one of Essex’s more development resistant areas which sits within the green belt.Anderson turned potential opposition into enthusiastic support by inviting the local community to co-design the scheme at Blackmore from the ground up. From the outset of the six-year process from planning to delivery, the company worked closely with the Blackmore Village Heritage Association, the Parish Council as well as local schools, and individual residents. 

Through both group workshops and one-to-one discussions, Anderson listened to the feedback and incorporated this into the scheme’s designs, ensuring local perspectives were represented.The result is a beautiful scheme that pays tribute to the rich historical and architectural heritage of Blackmore, whose parish church dates back to 1114. Building materials, including Flemish bond brickwork and traditional roof tiles, were selected to complement the character of surrounding homes, and the layout was carefully designed to fit in with the village setting.

The scheme was funded by Close Brothers Property Finance, which has committed to supporting Anderson in delivering over 800 new homes since 2017, across loan facilities totalling £120m. Of the 40 new homes in Fitzroy Place, 14 are affordable/shared ownership and have been pre-sold to Chelmer Housing Partnership and of the 26 private homes, 19 have been sold, with prices ranging from £595,000 to £1.45m. The first residents were welcomed in March 2025.

Lee Daniel, Business Development Director at Close Brothers Property Finance comments: 

“By taking the time to engage in a meaningful way with Blackmore’s residents, Anderson has delivered a scheme that enjoys the community’s full support, which is incredibly rare. This collaborative approach reduces the risk of planning complications, making it more attractive to finance, and could be a blueprint for future developments. As a lender we are proud to support SME clients who deliver the types of homes that enhance the communities in which they are built.”

Tim Chilvers, Operations Director at Anderson Development comments: 

“We are grateful that Blackmore’s community entrusted us to deliver this bespoke and characterful scheme, which reflects the intrinsic beauty of this village.  The relationship between Anderson and Blackmore has been forged over many years of engagement and it will continue long after the final house is sold.

Fitzroy Place has already been shortlisted for upcoming industry awards, including the Housebuilder Awards 2025 ‘Best Community Initiative’, and the Essex Housing Awards 2025, ‘Best Medium Sized Housing Scheme’.

Watch the video below to learn more about the project, the people behind it, and the power of partnership in delivering homes that truly belong.