Area Overview for CM8 3QS
Area Information
Living in CM8 3QS means inhabiting a small, well-defined residential cluster in the heart of Silver End, a village in Essex with a distinct history as a model garden village. Established in the 1920s by industrialist Francis Henry Crittall, the area was designed to house workers for his factory, blending modernist architecture with communal spaces. Today, it remains a rural enclave with a population of 1,773 spread over 7,124 square metres, giving it a low population density of 160 people per square kilometre. The village retains its original character, with surviving 1920s–1930s homes featuring large gardens, electricity, and sanitation. Daily life here is shaped by its planned layout, which prioritised work and leisure integration. Residents benefit from proximity to Braintree and Witham, while the area’s historical roots as a “total environment” for factory workers echo in its community-focused ethos. The presence of amenities like the village hall and Memorial Gardens adds to its charm, making it a quiet, self-contained place with a strong sense of heritage.
- Area Type
- Postcode
- Area Size
- 7124 m²
- Population
- 1773
- Population Density
- 160 people/km²
The property market in CM8 3QS is dominated by owner-occupied homes, with 75% of properties owned by residents rather than rented. This high homeownership rate indicates a stable, long-term community with limited turnover. The accommodation type is primarily houses, a legacy of the village’s original design as a garden village for factory workers. These homes, many dating to the 1920s–1930s, feature large gardens and modern amenities for their era, such as electricity and sanitation. Given the area’s small size and historical character, the housing stock is limited, making it a niche market for buyers seeking period properties. The focus on houses rather than flats or apartments suggests a preference for private, spacious living. For buyers, this means a focus on preserving heritage while balancing practical needs, with limited scope for new developments. The surrounding area’s proximity to Braintree and Witham may offer additional options, but CM8 3QS itself remains a self-contained, low-density enclave.
House Prices in CM8 3QS
Showing 23 properties
| Address | Type | Beds | Baths | Last Sale Price | Last Sale Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 108 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | Terraced | 3 | 1 | £330,000 | Aug 2025 | |
| 134 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | house | - | - | £292,000 | Nov 2023 | |
| 102 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | Terraced | 2 | 1 | £255,000 | Apr 2021 | |
| 132 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | house | - | - | £267,000 | Jan 2021 | |
| 98 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | Terraced | 2 | 1 | £230,000 | Aug 2020 | |
| 124 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | Semi-detached | 3 | - | £325,000 | Jan 2018 | |
| 126 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | Semi-detached | 4 | - | £315,000 | Jan 2018 | |
| 100 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | house | - | - | £200,000 | Sep 2016 | |
| 90 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | Detached | 4 | - | £295,000 | Aug 2015 | |
| 110 Francis Way, Silver End, CM8 3QS | house | 3 | - | £155,000 | Aug 2012 |
Energy Efficiency in CM8 3QS
Life in CM8 3QS is shaped by its historical roots as a garden village, offering a blend of rural tranquillity and accessible amenities. The area’s retail options include the Co-op, M&S Braintree, and local shops on Broadway, replacing the original department store destroyed in 1951. Residents can access nearby leisure facilities such as the village hall, Memorial Gardens, and playing fields, which host community events and outdoor activities. The village’s original design includes communal spaces like the theatre and cinema, now repurposed for local use. Nearby, the Boars Tye Farm remnants—such as the converted barn and residential care home—add to the area’s unique character. The proximity to Braintree and Witham provides additional dining, shopping, and cultural options. The combination of preserved 1920s architecture, green spaces, and practical amenities creates a lifestyle that balances heritage with modern convenience.
Amenities
Schools
| Rank | School | Type | Entry gender | Ages |
|---|
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Go to Schools tabDemographics
The community in CM8 3QS is predominantly middle-aged, with a median age of 47 and the most common age range being adults aged 30–64. This suggests a stable population with a focus on established households. Home ownership is high at 75%, reflecting a long-term resident base rather than a transient rental market. The area is characterised by houses as the primary accommodation type, which aligns with its history as a garden village designed for family living. The predominant ethnic group is White, though no specific diversity metrics are provided. The low population density of 160 people per square kilometre indicates a spread-out, low-rise residential pattern. This demographic profile suggests a community with a strong emphasis on private, family-oriented living, where residents are likely to have lived for many years. The absence of explicit data on deprivation means that quality of life is inferred from the area’s safety, amenities, and historical infrastructure.
Household Size
Accommodation Type
Tenure
Ethnic Group
Religion
Household Composition
Age
Household Deprivation
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Go to Demographics tabPlanning
Planning Constraints
- Flood RiskPremium
- Ramsar Wetland SitesPremium
- Area of Outstanding Natural BeautyPremium
- Protected Nature ReservePremium
- Protected WoodlandPremium