New residents are being lined-up for a new £3.25 million housing development.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is creating 13 single-storey senior living homes on the site of the old Honeycroft sheltered housing scheme in Lawford, which was closed in 2018.

Manningtree-based Rose Builders were appointed to construct the new homes and the groundbreaking took place at the site earlier this year.

Councillor Andy Baker, TDC cabinet member for housing and planning, has announced that the first residents are being found for the new homes.

He said: "This development is an innovative scheme that will be providing homes for local people within our district – and on a brownfield site.

"I’m very pleased to report that the development is progressing well and is on schedule to be handed over by the developer at the end of October.

"It means that our housing team has already been able to allocate the first properties to residents ahead of the anticipated completion.

"The council made a commitment to those who left the site that they would have the opportunity to move into the new homes – and I’m delighted that two former residents have taken up that offer.

"The development is really coming along now and I hope that they – along with all the new residents - enjoy their new homes."

The new Honeycroft development meets top environmental standards, incorporating carbon reduction, energy-saving measures, and energy-efficiency standards.

The homes are also designed according to the principles of the former lifetime homes standard, meaning residents can remain in their community as their physical needs change.

They will be accompanied by a small community building, landscaping, and car parking.

Councillor Baker added: "This development will provide modern, efficient, accessible homes and are much needed to help us to meet the housing demand in the district.

"The properties will be lifetime homes that will provide accessible living for later life and enable people to stay in their own community and homes even if their needs change.

"In every way the homes are designed to help improve residents’ quality of life – which runs through everything that we do as part of Our Vision, the council’s corporate plan."