Tendring District Council (TDC) has welcomed the first of 18 new council homes – and a new children’s play area - as part of a new housing development in Clacton.

The homes, which will be added to council’s housing stock, have been given to the council in accordance with the approved planning permission for Matthew Homes’ 200-home Meadow Gardens development at Brook Park West.

The first eight of the 18 homes that are part of the agreement have now been handed to the council for the nominal sum of £1 each.

Andy Baker, TDC’S Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said: "I’m delighted to welcome these homes into our council housing stock and I’m sure they will be warmly welcomed by local residents on our council house waiting list.

“The handover of these properties, which include two and three-bedroom houses and a number of one-bedroom properties, is a significant milestone for this development and our community.

“The council is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our residents, and we take immense pride in the services we provide, including housing.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our planning and housing officers and Matthew Homes for their hard work and dedication in bringing these homes to fruition.”

Peter Kotz, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Assets, welcomed the handover of the new play area, which includes a roundabout, spring riders, spinners, a chain bridge and a climbing frame and slide.

“It’s wonderful to see this brand-new play area open for our young people to enjoy,” he said.

“The facility will provide a safe and enjoyable space for children and families to gather and play while helping to create a vibrant and thriving new community.”

Daniel Gallagher, sales director at Matthew Homes, said he was delighted to see the first homes and the play area handed to the council.

He added: “Matthew Homes is proud to provide these much-needed homes in the local area and recognises the hard work of TDC to make this happen.

“We wish the new occupiers of these properties every happiness in their new homes and look forward to welcoming them to Meadow Gardens.

“We are also very pleased to transfer responsibility of the play area at our development to the council.

“It will play a very important role in the local community and also to the wider local environment, which includes a pond and open space facilities nearby.

“We are very pleased to see this project open to the public and wish the residents of Clacton much enjoyment.”

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