WORK is set to begin over the next few months transforming disused garage sites at two locations in Thurrock into 13 new affordable council homes.

The new homes in Chadwell St Mary and Corringham, are part of the Council's commitment to provide new council homes in borough communities.

Plans for the homes on Vigerons Way were put forward in 2021.

The project in Chadwell St Mary will see a disused garage site on Vigerons Way make way for seven modern, high-quality council homes.

The scheme was conceived in 2021 under the then Conservative administration and though a public consultation brought about some concerns from local residents, it has now been brought to fruition.

Building contractor TJ Evers has been appointed by the council to carry out the work.

The development in Lyndhurst Road, in Corringham, carried out by contractor Auburn Group, was first mooted in 2023 under the previous Conservative administration. It will see the building of six modern council homes, with private gardens and green space for everyone to enjoy, on site which featured 67 underused garages.

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In February 2023 Cllr Luke Spillman, then Conservative cabinet member for housing, said: "We have sites that are underused and offer the potential to house Thurrock residents and meet current housing demand.

"Everyone should have access to a good quality home. We are committed to exploring new and innovative ways to unlock housing delivery and provide high-quality homes for our residents."

The projects came up for cabinet approval in October 2024 after Labour had taken control of the council.

Mr Spillman's successor is Cllr Mark Hooper, currently cabinet member for health and well-being and social housing. he said: "These sites are council-owned land that was not being used to its full potential, and I'm delighted that they are going to transformed into high quality, truly affordable council homes for our community."

The homes on Lyndhurst Road and Vigerons Way are expected to be ready by spring 2027.

Mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick and Cllrs Cathy Sisterson and Srikanth Panjala were briefed at the beginning of construction at Teviot Avenue.

A further 48 new council affordable homes are already under construction by contractors Marfleet & Bradshaw at Teviot Avenue, Aveley. The project also originated under the Conservatives and was brought to completion by Labour.

The three projects have been part-funded by the UK Government through the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2).

The council successfully bid for £734,000 from the Fund for the Aveley development and a further £266,000 towards the building costs on the two disused garage sites.