Noak Bridge is a rare example of a post-war, social housing estate that has been designated a Conservation Area [http://www.basildon.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=3215&p=0]. First planned in the 1970s as part of Basildon new town, Noak Bridge was separated from the rest of the town and it was decided that it should have the traditional character of an English village. The project architects were Maurice Naunton and George Garrard. Construction began in 1979 and within 3 years almost 400 rented dwellings had been built, including bungalows and sheltered housing, as well as a school, surgery, and shops. In terms of urban design, it as an early example of successful "place-making".