Bellway Homes has bought the 17-acre site of two former hospitals in Brentwood from an NHS trust.

Highwood Hospital and Little Highwood Hospital were sold by NHS South West Essex for approximately £12m.

A planning application has been submitted for 205 homes on the land including both private and affordable housing. The site is within a conservation area and some of the hospital buildings will be kept as part of the redevelopment.

NHS South West Essex was advised by Savills and Strutt & Parker.

Andy Redman, head of development for Savills Chelmsford, said: “The sale of Highwood Hospital has proved to be an extremely protracted affair with the original marketing exercise undertaken in 2007.

“Due to the dramatic changes in market conditions during the economic downturn it was prudent to remarket the site during 2009 which has now resulted in a very productive sale.

“We are seeing signs that confidence is returning to the residential development land market and are very pleased Bellway Homes has purchased the site for redevelopment.”

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