A CONSULTATION event will take place next week on plans to build new council homes on the site of Aveley's former library.

Thurrock Council is proposing to build 16 new council homes on the site on Purfleet Road.

The council, which in a recent report to the housing overview and scrutinby committee said it plans to build 373 homes in the borough over the next five years, says its plans are still at an early stage and the authority is'keen to hear' views of local people on its initial ideas. The current consultation will run until 2 August. All the feedback received during this period will be considered as the proposals are developed further.

As part of the consultation, a public drop-in session will take place on Thursday, 7 July at the former library site between 3.30 and 7pm.

A statement from the council says: "We believe everyone should have a good quality home. Across the borough around 1,200 new homes need to be built every year to meet current demand.

The site of the planned development.

"As a council we are committed to building high quality new homes, including investing in new council homes. Building 16 new council homes on the site of the former Aveley Library would provide much-needed housing in the local area and help to enhance the neighbourhood."

The libary services was moved to Aveley's new community hub in 2020 and the library itself demolished earlier this year.

The council adds: "The 16 new homes would consist of a mix of one and two-bedroom appartments that would be owned and managed by Thurrock council to provide high-quality new homes for residents who live in Thurrock."

For those who cannot attend further information about the proposals and an online feedback form can be found via this link.