Tendring District Council (TDC) has welcomed the addition of five much-needed council homes as part of a brand-new development in Elmstead Market.

The two and three-bedroom properties have been gifted to the council by north Essex-based Hills Building Group as part of the planning agreement for its 62-home Asterwood Estate, off School Road.

The properties will become part of the council’s housing stock and will soon be available to families on TDC’s housing waiting list.

Jonathan Hills, managing director of Hills Building Group, officially handed the keys to Andy Baker, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, at the development on Thursday, 28 February.

“These new homes will be a greatly appreciated by local families and I’m delighted to welcome them into our housing stock,” said Councillor Baker.

“This council is committed to boosting the quality of life for our residents - and housing is a key part of that mission.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Hills Building Group, as well as TDC’s planning and housing officers, for making these homes become a reality.”

Mr Hills, who has led the family-run builders for nearly 30 years, said he was delighted that the homes would now be made available to local residents.

“Hills Building Group is proud to provide these homes to the local area and we look forward to warmly welcoming the new residents to the Asterwood Estate,” he said.

“I’m also delighted that as part of this development, we have gifted a property to the neighbouring Market Field School.

“This brilliant special school is a real inspiration and, alongside providing new council homes for local people, we were keen to see our community budget allocated to help its wonderful students and their parents.”

The respite home, which was completed in 2023, offers overnight care for youngsters at the school, giving parents much-needed rest and providing children with learning opportunities, including domestic skills such as cooking and housekeeping.

As part of the planning agreement, a parcel of land near the northern boundary of the site will be made available for the school’s horticultural educational purposes, such as allotments or polytunnels, and a children’s play space will also be constructed on the new estate.

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