£100m investment planned over next 5 years to increase supply of council homes in Southend
The council said existing council homes are being upgraded with low-carbon heating and solar technology
Southend-on-Sea City Council has said it is 'continuing to invest in energy-efficient council-owned homes', with a range of developments to help meet local housing demand.
Several projects are said to be progressing across Southend, including new 'affordable homes' at Eagle Way and Lundy Close, the acquisition of former council homes, and the purchase of newly built properties for 'affordable rent'.
Construction is due to begin shortly on the next phase of the Eagle Way development, delivering 16 homes, while work is already underway at Lundy Close, where nine new homes are expected to be completed by autumn 2027.
The council said the developments will feature low-carbon technologies, including air source heat pumps and solar panels.
Southend-on-Sea Council said:
"In addition, the council is delivering its first certified Passivhaus homes at Bradford Bury in Leigh-on-Sea and Denton Avenue in Westcliff-on-Sea. These highly energy-efficient properties are designed to reduce energy use and lower household bills, supporting both residents and the Council's net zero ambitions. The possibility of other affordable, Passivhaus homes are also being explored at sites across the city.
"Alongside its new-build programme, the council continues to bring former council homes back into use through its acquisitions programme, with around 20 homes expected to return to Council ownership this financial year. The authority is also progressing its first strategic acquisition of eight newly built family homes, which will be let at affordable rents to households on the Housing Register.
"Work is also advancing to make existing council-owned houses more energy efficient. 207 homes across the Balmoral Estate are set to receive heating upgrades as part of the largest ongoing ground source heat pump project in the country.
"These upgrades are expected to significantly reduce yearly resident energy costs. A further 61 houses will receive a combination of solar panels and air source heat pumps over the next year. The authority is also putting plans in place to bring all remaining properties up to EPC C as part of the incoming 2030 Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards."
Councillor Irene Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness, said:
"Everyone deserves a safe, warm and affordable place to call home. With more than 1,200 families on our housing waiting list, we are taking action.
"Through new developments, acquisitions and a £100 million investment programme over the next five years, we are increasing the supply of high-quality, energy-efficient homes and helping more local families access secure housing."