WORK is set to start within weeks to knock down a derelict former factory and build homes for people on Tendring Council's housing list.

Essex-based housing association Colne Housing’s plans for the former Bernard Uniforms factory buildings in Main Road, Harwich, were given the go-ahead in November by Tendring Council.

Residents had called for the eyesore building, which had become a magnet for vandals since the factory closed in 2007, to be turned into a museum and 252 letters of objection were sent to the council.

But the Government has chosen not to call-in the proposal for a public enquiry, paving the way for work to start.

A total of 27 homes for affordable rent will be built on the site, made up of two one-bedroom flats, six two bedroom flats, 13 two bedroom houses and six three bedroom houses.

Colne’s chief executive Sara Thakkar said: “We are pleased to be able to provide 27 modern new-build homes for affordable rent to help ease the housing crisis in the area.

“The project is likely to start within weeks with the demolition of the existing buildings. All our homes will be allocated via Tendring District Council to families and single people in the local area in need of housing.”

Colne has said priority will be given to residents who have lived in Tendring for the past three years.

 

There are currently about 1,200 households on the council house waiting list.