12 new social homes in Braintree ready for residents

A dozen new homes for social rent are now ready for residents after a successful partnership project between Eastlight Community Homes and Braintree District Council.

The new homes in Victoria Street, Braintree, are owned by Eastlight, were constructed by the council and form part of the authority's Victoria Square town centre regeneration project.

Homes for social rent provide a truly affordable, secure housing option for people.

All 12 of the much-needed apartments have residents waiting to move in.

The homes form part of the £30 million town centre regeneration project at Victoria Square which also includes a 70-bedroom Travelodge, Livewell hub, pharmacy, restaurant or café, new bus interchange, public toilets and a twin-level car park.

Eastlight’s investment, backed by a grant from Homes England, the government’s housing accelerator, means all of the regeneration project’s 35 apartments are affordable. The remaining 23 homes have helped households onto the property ladder through the shared ownership scheme.

Emma Palmer, Eastlight Chief Executive, said: “We are very much looking forward to handing over the keys so new residents can enjoy living in these new homes for social rent. Working with our partners, we have ambitions to build thousands of new homes for those who need them in Braintree district and beyond in the years to come.”

Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Skills, said: “Many people are finding it difficult to rent a home at a price point they can afford these days. These new homes cost less to rent than other options and will benefit hard working families and people in our communities on lower than average incomes. A grant received from Homes England has made this genuinely affordable option possible for residents in our district.”