Project to build sheltered homes for elderly Essex people opens

A multi-million pound sheltered housing centre to support elderly Essex residents has finally completed. A total of 13 new senior living homes have been built in place of a former sheltered accommodation which was demolished three years ago.

The new facilities are based in the village of Lawford in Tendring, and funded by Tendring District Council (TDC). Rose Builders, contractors for the council, created the homes on the site of the former Honeycroft sheltered housing scheme in Waldegrave Way.

Residents moved out of the dated Honeycroft development in 2017, before it was closed by the council in 2018 then demolished in 2021. Manningtree-based Rose Builders was appointed by the council to build the new homes, and groundbreaking took place at the site earlier this year.

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The homes have been designed so residents can remain in their community as their physical needs change; features include storage and charging points for mobility scooters. As well as the new homes, the site also has a small community building and car parking with electric vehicle charging points.

Environmental features abound at the site, with bat and bird boxes and hedgehog holes; while solar panels and water butts help to keep utility costs low. Solar panels have also been installed on the Honeycroft bungalows, which have remained occupied throughout the development, for the benefit of existing tenants.

Mark Stephenson, council leader, said the project created a sustainable future for those who lived there before. He said: "This project is not just about bricks and mortar, or a roof over people’s heads; it is about enhancing residents’ quality of life so they can live an independent and fulfilled life.

“The environmental sustainability of this scheme is a key aspect of its success; we have implemented innovative solutions that will benefit our environment, keep running costs low for the tenants who live here, and set a standard for future projects.

“The works have been completed on schedule and to budget, and I would like to thank Rose builders for their hard work, ensuring this project was completed on time. The council made a commitment to those who left the site that they would have the opportunity to move into the new homes – and I’m delighted that two former residents have taken up that offer.”

Justyn French, Commercial Director for Housing at Rose, comments: "We are delighted to have partnered with Tendring District Council on this project. The planned development will deliver specialised accessible properties that honour the site’s history while meeting the district's urgent housing needs."