TWENTY bungalows for the elderly could be build as part of a £4million redevelopment of a former sheltered housing block in Lawford.

Tendring Council moved residents out of the main block of Honeycroft, in Waldegrave Way, back in October 2017.

It then took a decision to close the out-dated facility permanently in 2018.

Despite the building being closed and having no residents, it was costing the council more than £84,000 a year in maintenance and other charges.

Contractors SRC Group began the strip out of the building in December and work has started earlier this year on the final demolition.

Plans have now been mooted for 20 homes for elderly people to be built on the site.

Tendring Council's cabinet will discuss a report on the redevelopment of Honeycroft at its meeting on Friday.

A report said the bungalows would be retained within the council’s housing stock and designated for older people.

It added: "Approval is now sought for an exciting and innovative proposal to redevelop the site with around 20 additional one and two bedroomed bungalows specifically designated for letting to older persons.

"The proposal will contribute to meeting priorities set out in the council’s

housing strategy and mark a significant step on the journey to increasing the council’s housing stock.

"The homes will also be built to be as energy efficient as possible, making use of modern methods of construction in order to minimise carbon emissions.

"The new properties will meet local housing demand for older persons and provide an opportunity for those in larger houses to downsize whilst remaining in the same community.

"This will free up larger properties for families."

The cabinet is set to allocate £50,000 towards the scheme to fund necessary site surveys, legal expenses and other ancillary expenses.

A planning application will then be submitted.