Tendring District Council (TDC) has submitted exciting plans to transform two former eyesore sites in Dovercourt town centre.

The initiative will see eight new council homes created in Victoria Street – with the design inspired by the road’s beloved former Victoria Hotel pub.

The scheme is part of a wider £9million revamp of Dovercourt town centre after TDC successfully secured £6.7million of Government funding. The rest of the money is being provided by TDC and Essex County Council (ECC).

The overall project includes significant road and public realm enhancements stretching from Dovercourt railway station to Kingsway and the refurbishment of the town’s library to incorporate Adult Community Learning, both of which are led by ECC, and a complete overhaul of the Milton Road car park, which was submitted for planning earlier this autumn.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, expressed his enthusiasm for the plans.

He said: "We've listened closely to our community's feedback and are excited to present a building design that truly reflects the character and charm of our town, inspired by the beloved former Victoria Hotel pub and its surroundings.

“This substantial investment in Dovercourt is set to revitalise the town centre and breathe new life into previously neglected areas of Victoria Street.

“The overall improvements will not only enhance the quality of life for our residents and boost town centre business, but will also create new opportunities, raise aspirations, and foster a sense of pride in our community."

Following the demolition and clearance of the two sites on Victoria Street, the plan is to build the eight new homes on one site and provide resident parking on the other, maintaining the street's original design.

The site of the Victoria Hotel, which was lost to fire damage, will be thoughtfully redeveloped to complement the local character while maximising the delivery of new affordable homes.

The plans have been shaped following extensive public engagement and consultation with key feedback highlighting support for refining proposals to fit the local historic setting, positive reactions to adding parking on the eastern site to ease local parking pressure, and general approval of improving the appearance of two long-vacant sites.

The design team, responding to a strong local desire for the proposals to complement the historic architecture of Dovercourt town centre, has worked closely with heritage consultants to refine the designs, incorporating local architectural details and materials.

A decision on the plans is expected to be made by TDC’s Planning Committee next year.

TDC has submitted a separate planning application to replace the outdated car park structure in Milton Road with 23 new parking spaces, including two accessible bays, cycle parking, and landscaping.

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