THURROCK Council has given itself the green light to build 33 affordable homes.

The 100 per cent social housing scheme in Broxburn Drive, South Ockendon will be delivered in six blocks which will nestle among two and three-storey blocks built there in the 1950s.

The older properties have pitched roofs while the new blocks will have a flat roof design.

Speaking at a planning meeting where approval was granted, Cllr Lee Watson raised concerns and said: "Why haven't we got roofs? Why haven't we got something in between that's a bit more sympathetic?

"If you look at one of them, especially the one that you have the two blocks and the bit in the middle that's just joined. It looks like Lego that's just stuck in.

"They are 1950 blocks and now we are putting in a 2023 design. I'm not sure it really works."

However, she added: "I welcome this scheme. It really is a long time coming and I think we should have more affordable schemes along their route going forward for our local people."

Cllr Georgette Polley said residents were in favour of the new council home scheme.

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She said "I know that residents like the design and have been very involved. Some of the properties there we have, because of the style of building, issues with like damp. I think the new buildings have been given quite a lot of attention with environmental issues so hopefully we are not rebuilding the same problems.

"We are under difficult times at this council but we can only be pleased to see another scheme where we are delivering housing for our tenants. These will be tenants on our waiting list needing to access accommodation. The scheme has had a lot of thought behind it."

Cllr Steve Liddiard added: "I think this is going to utilise a lot of dead, green space. It's new. It's modern. It's going to be a real benefit to the area."

The six two to four-storey blocks will be landscaped and some of the units will be wheelchair accessible.

Thurrock Council has agreed to provide a contribution towards secondary education of £54,223 and £10,156 towards nursery provision.