New council homes will be built on a former eyesore site in Dovercourt town centre after exciting plans were given the go-ahead.

The Tendring District Council (TDC) initiative will see eight new council homes built in Victoria Street – with the design inspired by the road’s beloved former Victoria Hotel pub.

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

The council’s planning committee supported the plans for the two former derelict sites in Victoria Street at a meeting last night (Tuesday, 1 April).

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, welcomed the committee’s decision.

He said: "This exciting project will breathe new life into previously neglected areas of Victoria Street and is a significant investment in Dovercourt.

"The design of the building, which has been refined thanks to feedback from our residents, captures the essence and charm of our town, echoing the beloved former Victoria Hotel pub and its surroundings.

"These enhancements will not only improve the quality of life for our residents, but the overall project will invigorate town centre businesses, create new opportunities, raise aspirations and instil a sense of pride within our community."

Two eyesore sites in Victoria Street have already been cleared and the plan will see a four-storey residential building, consisting of eight new homes, built on one site and 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 homes.

The plans were shaped following extensive public consultation with key feedback highlighting support for refined designs reflecting the local historic setting and positive reactions to parking on the eastern site to ease local parking pressures, while there was general approval for improving the appearance of two long-vacant sites.

The overall Dovercourt Town Centre Improvement Corridor 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 being led by ECC.

TDC was given separate planning permission earlier this year to replace the outdated car park structure in Milton Road with 23 new parking spaces, including two accessible bays, cycle parking, and landscaping.

The Victoria Street plans were approved pending notification to Historic England.

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