Southend-on-Sea City Council officially opened its latest council housing project in Shoeburyness today (Thursday 20 March).
This is a significant step forward in providing local people with sustainable, affordable homes built to last.
The opening event showcased Phase 3A of the HRA Land Review on Eagle Way, Shoeburyness, where visitors had the opportunity to view two of the new homes and find out more about the project.
Built on four previously underused garage sites, this development includes 12 new homes: seven three-bedroom houses and five two-bedroom houses, all designed for modern, comfortable living.
These homes are built to the Future Homes Standard (2025), making them Net Zero Carbon and highly energy efficient. They feature solar panels and Air Source Heat Pumps for eco-friendly heating and hot water. Triple-glazed windows and excellent insulation help to keep energy bills low, while the design meets Building Regulations Part M4(2), ensuring adaptability for different needs.
The development also includes EV charging points, cycle storage, and 26 parking spaces, with disabled bays, along with high fire safety and security standards, supported by AICO environmental monitoring and smoke detectors.
Cllr Anne Jones, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, said: "I'm really proud of this project because we've taken land that wasn't being used effectively and turned it into affordable, energy-efficient homes with solar panels, heat pumps, and triple-glazed windows to keep costs down.
"These houses aren't just for now, they're built to last for future generations, and they're accessible for all sorts of needs, with EV charging and cycle storage also included."
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, added: "This development shows what we're all about as a council: delivering sustainable, affordable homes for local people.
"It's part of our bigger plan to transform underused spaces across Southend, like the next phase here in Shoeburyness with 16 more homes, as well as the nine new homes coming to Lundy Close in Eastwood. These projects are about building a stronger, greener future for our city, with homes that are safe, energy-efficient, and ready for modern living."
The new homes will be available through the council's Choice Based Lettings (CBL) system at affordable rent, set at 80% of market rates and capped by Local Housing Allowance limits, ensuring they're accessible to those who need them most.
Both upcoming projects, the second phase in Shoeburyness and the new development at Lundy Close, are in the planning stages, with construction expected to start by late summer 2025.