The new 610 acre community will have 670,000 square feet of employment space, including a 431,000 sq ft business park which could create 3,500 jobs. 970 of the new homes will be affordable and there will be new schools, shops, open space and community facilities.
The plans also include the creation of a new railway station on the East Anglian main line and widening of the rail tracks, which the developers said would improve the overall efficiency of the London-Norwich rail line.
The developers said that a key part of the proposals will be an "extensive estate parkland setting" for the Grade 1 listed New Hall School that will enhance the surroundings and character of the historic building.
"This decision is the first step towards new homes, new jobs, and new infrastructure which will really take the new City of Chelmsford to the next level," said Countryside chief executive Graham Cherry in a statement. "Our vision is of a sustainable community, designed to the highest standards, with a unique sense of place and landscape. This major new neighbourhood guarantees huge benefits for the whole of Chelmsford."
"This neighbourhood will offer a wide range of choices of homes for local people, whether they are first time buyers seeking a foot on the property ladder or families looking for the right place to bring up their children," said L&Q chief executive David Montague.. "At the same time it will provide a host of new opportunities - in particular a new railway station and business park."
The developers said they hope to start work on the site in the autumn 2013.
