£3 million Lawford housing development for elderly completed

Rose Builders, contractors for Tendring Council (TDC), created 13 single-storey senior living homes on the site of the former Honeycroft sheltered housing scheme in Waldegrave Way. 

Residents moved out of the dated Honeycroft development in 2017 before it was shut by the council a year later and demolished in 2021. 

The Manningtree-based developer was appointed to build the new homes and groundbreaking took place at the site earlier this year. 

Development - The finished development (Image: TDC)

Mark Stephenson, TDC leader, said the project created a sustainable future for those who lived there and was a demonstration of the authority’s community leadership principle. 

He said: “This project is not just about bricks and mortar, or a roof over people’s heads; it is about enhancing residents’ quality of life so they can live an independent and fulfilled life. 

“The environmental sustainability of this scheme is a key aspect of its success; we have implemented innovative solutions that will benefit our environment, keep running costs low for the tenants who live here, and set a standard for future projects. 

Launch - An exclusive launch event celebrated the completion (Image: TDC)

“The works have been completed on schedule and to budget, and I would like to thank Rose Builders for their hard work, ensuring this project was completed on time. 

“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 homes have been designed around the needs of elderly residents and include storage and charging points for mobility scooters. 

Justyn French, commercial director for housing at Rose, said: "We are delighted to have partnered with Tendring District Council on this project. The planned development will deliver specialised accessible properties that honour the site’s history while meeting the district's urgent housing needs." 

The development also includes a small community building, landscaping and a car park with electric vehicle charging points. 

Bat and bird boxes, as well as hedgehog holes have been installed for the local wildlife, while solar panels and water butts aim to keep utility costs down.