THURROCK Council has approved two new housing schemes that will deliver 14 affordable homes across Corringham and South Ockendon, using modular construction to speed up development and make use of long-vacant sites reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The first scheme, on The Geerings in Corringham, will redevelop derelict land previously occupied by council houses.
The project will deliver five family homes—three three bed properties and two four bed houses—built using modular construction to reduce costs and time on site.
Planning officers said the development aligns with the Thurrock Core Strategy by boosting housing supply and providing much needed local accommodation, including options for temporary or flexible housing.
Speaking at the council’s planning committee, Owen Phillips, of Reds10UK Ltd, representing Thurrock Council, said the proposals were shaped around the borough’s urgent need for “high-quality new homes” that are quick to deliver and 100 per cent affordable.
“We’ve developed carefully considered proposals for both The Geerings and the Prince of Wales that provide a total of 14 brand new, thermally efficient and rapidly deliverable homes,” he said.
“The Geerings site has been derelict for some time, posing safety and security risks. Our proposals reinstate active frontages, improve neighbourhood surveillance and deliver family-sized homes that fit the local street pattern.”
Mr Phillips added that modular construction offers faster delivery, stronger quality control and lower lifetime running costs, with modules for a single home able to be manufactured in just 45 days.
Aaron Green, Labour councillor for West Thurrock and South Stifford, backed the plans, saying: “We desperately need these good homes for our people here in Thurrock, so I will be supporting this recommendation.”
The second scheme, at the former Prince of Wales pub site in South Ockendon, will provide nine affordable flats—six two bed and three three bed units—across a three storey modular building. The pub closed in 2009 and was demolished in 2021, leaving the site vacant for years.
Mr Phillips said the project would “breathe new life into the area,” offering modern apartments close to shops and bus routes. The design divides the building into two smaller blocks to reflect surrounding homes and avoid overlooking issues.
Russell Cherry, Reform councillor for Ockendon welcomed the additional housing but raised concerns about existing parking pressures in the area.
Both schemed were approved.
