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Funding secured for new homes on Brownfield land in Essex

15 October 2024

Government funding will see over 200 new homes built across the county.

The government has allocated £3.6 million from the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF) to support housing in Essex.

Essex County Council has received £1.4 million and the remaining will go to Basildon, Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea councils.

The funding is part of the government's One Public Estate programme. It supports local councils to release surplus land for housing and other uses.

The £3.6 million allocation will fund 203 new homes through eight housing schemes across Essex.

We are delighted that the government continues to recognise our strong partnership in Greater Essex. It has enabled development on sites that would otherwise remain unused.

Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration

Essex County Council will use the £1.4 million for phase two and three of the redevelopment of the old Essex County Hospital in Colchester which will deliver 57 homes as part of a wider 120 home development. This will meet local housing need. It will also restore the Grade II listed hospital and other heritage assets. 

We welcome the decision to provide funding towards Essex County Hospital, which is a key scheme for Colchester.

Councillor Ray Gooding, Chair of Essex Housing Development LLP

To date the Greater Essex One Public Estate Partnership has secured over £10 million in government funding for projects across Greater Essex.