RESIDENTS living on the Seabrooke Rise estate in Grays – or the nearby high-rise – and those living within a 15 minute walk of Derry Avenue will be able to bid for new homes following a Thurrock Council decision.
Monday (30 November) evening’s meeting of the council’s Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed the local lettings plan will allow for 75 per cent “of first lets to be made to eligible Thurrock Council tenants”.
A report to the committee explained the new development on the Seabrooke Rise estate next to the railway line – The Echoes – has 53 flats over four levels in three blocks including 13 one-bed flats, 32 two bed flats and eight three-bed flats although two of the homes will be adapted for disabled tenants.
The remaining 51 will be available for rent with three quarters available for tenants in good standing and living on the estate.
At Derry Avenue in South Ockendon, there are 25 one-bedroomed homes on three levels, all built to HAPPI standard – Housing our Aging Population Panel for Innovation – one of which has already been adapted for a disabled tenant.
Three-quarters of the remaining 24 will be available of eligible tenants in good standing with the council who live within a 15-minute walk – 1,200 metres – of the development.
Committee chair, Cllr Cathy Kent, said: “It is important local people have first option on these homes whether that’s in Grays, Ockendon or at future developments around the borough.
“Equally the remaining quarter of the new homes – and any future lets – will be open to everyone on the housing register.”
As well as living within the agreed areas, to qualify to bid for the new homes, tenant must hold a current Thurrock Council secure tenancy – introductory and demoted tenants will not be eligible; they must meet the council’s criteria for joining the housing transfer list and be without rent arrears or other outstanding housing-related charges; they must not have breached their tenancy agreement, or otherwise managed their tenancy in an unacceptable manner; they must pass a transfer inspection of their current property; and, for Derry Avenue properties only, tenants must meet the council’s criteria for sheltered housing – currently aged 60-plus or 55 to 59 with a recognised disability or need for adapted accommodation.
Where applicants are downsizing form a larger council property the current rules regarding downsizing incentives would apply.
At Seabrooke Rise, priority will be given for the time tenant applicants have lived within the boundary, while at Derry Avenue, priority will be awarded according to the level of need for the accommodation.
Cllr Kent said: “The rules seem quite complicated, but they’re really pretty simple, if you’ve been a good tenant and lived in the area for some time you should be able to qualify successfully at Seabrooke.
“I’m really pleased the council has been able to start building new homes in numbers and that local people will be able to move in … opening up the opportunity for people now on the waiting list to get a home too.”
