Rectory Lane East Car Park in Chelmsford Set to Close as Housing Plans Approved

Rectory Lane East Car Park in Chelmsford Set to Close as Housing Development Moves Forward

A well-used Chelmsford city centre car park is expected to close soon after plans for new housing on the site were approved.

Rectory Lane East car park, which currently provides around 70+ parking spaces close to the city centre, is set to make way for a residential development of affordable homes.

Plans approved by Chelmsford City Council will see the site redeveloped into 22 apartments, aimed at helping meet growing demand for affordable housing in the area.

The development is expected to include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties, along with limited on-site parking and cycle storage.

Why is it closing?

The closure is tied directly to the approved redevelopment of the land.

Council leaders have previously highlighted the increasing pressure on housing and homelessness services, with hundreds of households currently needing temporary accommodation.

The scheme has been described as:

• “Sustainable development” due to its central location
• A way to deliver social rent-level housing
• Part of wider efforts to reduce pressure on council finances

Impact on parking in Chelmsford

The loss of Rectory Lane East is likely to be felt by:

• commuters
• shoppers
• city centre workers

Public concerns have already been raised about the removal of a busy and strategically located car park, particularly for those travelling in from north Chelmsford.

With reports suggesting the closure could happen as early as this month, nearby car parks are expected to become busier, especially at peak times.

Nearby car parks such as Fairfield Road, High Chelmer and Meadows Shopping Centre are likely to see increased demand as a result. Drivers may also need to allow extra time when travelling into Chelmsford, especially during weekends and peak hours.