New homes will be available for key workers from next year.

In a deal between Sempra Homes and Stonebold Properties, several new homes will be made available for key workers in Basildon and staff at Basildon Hospital.

In the move between the council's house building company and the Chelmsford based property firm, the development, known as Woodside Place, on Dry Street in Langdon Hils, will also be available for residents on the council's homeseeking register.

13 homes will be made available at the new development, with nine rented properties allocated to those on the homeseeking list, with four shared ownership homes given to key workers.

Leader of Basildon Council, Gavin Callaghan, is delighted at the move, and said: “We must continue to build more houses to help more people from Basildon get into a home of their own.

"The council is serious about delivering on that promise.

"These homes are a welcome addition to the town and I am very proud they will be made available exclusively to the borough’s key workers and residents.

"This is a Basildon first approach to our allocations policy, to ensure our residents have a future in the town.”

Stonebond Properties Land and Planning Director, David Kwan added: “Despite the various challenges we’re all currently facing, we’re delighted to have secured a new partnership with Sempra Homes that will provide 13 affordable homes at our forthcoming development Woodside Place.

"This will provide much needed affordable housing to the borough. It has been a pleasure to work alongside the team at Sempra, we have formed a good working relationship and look forward to the opportunity of working together again on future projects.”

Manager of Sempra Homes, Melanie Keys added: “We are really pleased to be working with Stonebond Properties with this development and look forward to bringing it to market.”