Work is scheduled to start next month (April) on two modular housing projects providing much needed new Council homes in the borough.
The approved developments in Ockendon and Corringham will deliver 14 homes which will be used for short term and flexible accommodation.
Using the latest modular building expertise, the Council is working with contractor Reds10 to transform two brownfield sites at Ockendon and Corringham to deliver high quality apartments and family homes efficiently and cost effectively.
Cllr Mark Hooper, Cabinet member for Health and Well-being and Social Housing, said: “There is a real shortage of decent homes that are affordable in the borough. These will be 100 per cent affordable homes and are part of our determination to support residents in urgent need of temporary accommodation.”
The development at the Geerings, in Corringham, is on a site owned by the council and replaces two void houses with significant structural problems. It will provide five homes, including three- and four-bedroom houses.
The other development in Ockendon, on the site of the former Prince of Wales pub, will allow for the creation of nine apartments.
The council is committed to ensuring all its new housing developments are sensitive to local communities.
Before going to the Planning Committee, the proposals were subject to discussions with local councillors and local community groups. There were also consultation events which gave the wider local community a chance to learn about the plans and have their say.
Modular construction is quicker, provides cost benefits and has a lower carbon footprint than traditional builds in providing high quality homes.
The modular homes are built in a factory and transported to site for assembly and installation. Once completed, they are usually more energy efficient than traditionally built buildings.
The homes are expected to be ready for residents and families before the end of the year.
The modular projects are just a small part of the Council’s plans for new council homes, the majority of which will be long term, affordable council homes for Thurrock families and residents.
The projects were approved by the Council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday 10 March.
Image: artist impression of the Geerings development
