More New Council Housing in the Pipeline

March 7, 2017 by Southend Borough Council

More new council homes could soon be on the way, with councillors set to discuss Phase 2 of the council’s house building drive next week (Cabinet, Tuesday 14th March).

Following the completion of 18 new affordable homes in Shoeburyness at the end of February, councillors will be asked to agree that plans to develop 15 homes and a bungalow for disabled use on two underutilised garage sites at Rochford Road and Audleys Close be brought forward for consultation and the submission of a planning application.

Initial studies show that the Rochford Road site has the potential for 12 two bedroom flats and 3, 3 bedroom houses, and the Audleys Close site, which is much smaller, could have a bungalow for disabled use built on it.

The project is expected to cost £2.75m, which would be funded through right to buy contributions, planning obligations (section 106 contributions) and capital reserves from the housing revenue account.

If approved at Cabinet next week, further public consultation will take place followed by the submission of a planning application. It is hoped that work could start on site by the Autumn, and completed by Autumn 2018.

Cllr Andrew Moring, Deputy Executive Councillor for Housing, says: “I am very pleased to see this report coming forwards so soon after the completion of the 18 new homes in Shoeburyness.

“Officers have been working very hard to complete Phase 1, but have also been working on Phase 2 plans at the same time so that we are ready to get straight on with delivering more affordable housing for local people, which is needed more than ever.

“Both of these proposed sites are underutilised and offer the perfect opportunity to do something productive with them, and subject to the necessary approval, I hope that we can get on with this important project.”