Planning permission has been granted for 16 new homes for the homeless in Basildon, Essex.

The former ITEC adult learning facility on Burnt Mills Road, Basildon is to be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site to be gifted by Hill Group, which will see 60 per cent of Basildon’s homeless being able to live in safe, secure homes.

The new development will act as a follow-on accommodation specifically for Basildon residents who have found themselves experiencing periods of homelessness.

Residents will be able to live in the homes for a maximum of three years and some will stay for a minimum of six months on an assured shorthold tenancy.

The scheme also includes office space for support workers, council staff and supporting agencies, which has been funded through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Program (RSAP) from DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities).

The SoloHaus have been gifted by The Hill Group as part of its commitment to providing 200 homes over the next five years.

Andy Hill, chief executive, The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with Basildon Council on this scheme which once complete will change peoples’ lives for the better. It is excellent news that planning has now been approved, and we are looking forward to working with all of the teams to deliver SoloHaus in Essex.”

The 10 one-bed homes inside the building will be managed by housing association Peabody South East in partnership with Basildon Council.

Planning permission was granted by Basildon Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 26 January.

Image source: The Hill Group

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