Southend-on-Sea City Council has been shortlisted for three prestigious Essex Housing Awards 2024.
The awards recognise our commitment to improving housing and advancing climate action. The council has been shortlisted for following three categories:
Meeting Housing Need
Our proactive approach to addressing housing shortages through the Acquisitions Programme and the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) has been highly effective. Through this programme, the council acquired 26 homes in the market to reduce wait times and provide stable homes for vulnerable groups, highlighting our innovative and inclusive solutions to meet immediate housing needs.
Small Housing Schemes
The HRA Land Review Phase 3A project in Shoeburyness shows our dedication to sustainable development. This initiative is transforming four underutilised garage sites into 13 new homes, including 2- and 3-bedroom houses and a 1-bedroom bungalow. The developments are being built to the Future Homes Standard and incorporate features such as Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV Panels, and triple-glazed windows to enhance insulation and energy efficiency.
By addressing local housing needs with affordable rents and implementing green technologies, this project significantly reduces carbon emissions and improves environmental sustainability.
Climate Action, Decarbonisation, Retrofit or New Build
The council's ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 is reflected in our recent achievements. We have retrofitted a show home to cut carbon emissions from 3.45 to 0.4 tonnes annually, resulting in an annual saving of £1,500 on energy bills.
Additionally, we are upgrading 110 homes with enhanced insulation and cavity wall refills, reducing their carbon footprint by 30%. Our new build projects include 13 net zero homes currently under construction, with plans for 16 more. These homes will feature solar PV panels, electric vehicle charging points. We are also working to deliver Passivhaus pilot developments focusing on low-carbon timber frame construction.
Councillor Anne Jones, cabinet member for planning and housing, said: "We are delighted to be shortlisted for these awards, which highlight our dedication to addressing housing challenges and climate change.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our housing team and our commitment to improving the quality of life for our residents through sustainable and innovative solutions. We eagerly anticipate the awards ceremony and continuing our efforts to positively impact our community."
The Essex Housing Awards, sponsored by Birketts LLP, honour excellence in housing across Essex. The awards ceremony in November will celebrate these achievements and offer networking opportunities within the housing sector.