Proposals set out for 20 bungalows in Lawford

The plans for the one and two-bedroom units, specifically for elderly people, to be built at Honeycroft, in Lawford, have been signed off by Tendring Council’s councillor responsible for housing.

The council moved residents out of the main block of the site, in Waldegrave Way, back in October 2017.

It then took a decision to close the outdated facility permanently in 2018.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.

Demolition of the building was carried out earlier this year.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring councillor responsible for housing, has now authorised senior officers to tender prices from developers to build the homes, which would be kept by the council to rent to residents, helping to meet demands in the area.

“This is an exciting and innovative proposal which meets our Housing Strategy priorities and marks a significant step on our journey to increase the council’s housing stock,” Mr Honeywood said.

“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 while remaining in the same community, in turn freeing up larger properties for families.”

The total cost of the scheme is estimated to be in the region of £4 million, which would be met by long-term borrowing from the Housing Revenue Account – with the potential for some grant funding from Homes England for the scheme.

Part of the decision agreed to set aside £50,000 from the account for necessary preliminary works such as site surveys.

The final decision to go ahead with the project, including to submit a planning application, will be taken once tenders have been received and the cost confirmed.