4,000 council homes could be built in Basildon
As of January, Basildon Borough Council had 3,629 households on the social housing waiting list
An Essex council says it is planning to build 4,000 new council houses in 10 years. Basildon Borough Council is proposing to “clear the council housing waiting list”, according to Labour leader Gavin Callaghan.
As of January, the council had 3629 households on the social housing waiting list. It comes after the council has unveiled 100 new council homes across two sites in the borough.
Chapelgate, near the Roundacre Roundabout saw 35 houses and 70 apartments. Shepherd Mews, new Broadmayne saw 15 “beautifully designed” one and two-bedroom apartments for the council.
Mr Callaghan said: “It would be the biggest investment in council housing since Basildon was created 77 years ago. It means local families get secure homes, not more pressure on private rents or temporary accommodation. I’m serious about big change in Basildon and council housing is central to that. Building homes for local Basildon people.”
Billericay and the surrounding areas could see around 7,725 homes built as Basildon Borough Council plans 26,909 homes across the whole borough. The council is producing its local plan, which includes development such as homes, employment land and other things until 2043.
A council spokesperson said: “As of the end of January 2026, we had 3629 households on the register. The allocations policy has recently been updated. Among the amendments were the introduction of a ‘homeless at home’ qualification, which ensures applicants are not disadvantaged by being able to remain in the family home while pursuing a homelessness application.
“We also increased the percentage of homelessness transfers to 50 per cent to facilitate quicker moves into social housing for the relevant households. The council is also committed to building 4,000 new council homes across the borough by 2036.”