QUESTIONS have been raised over a £575 million plan to build more than 1,700 homes after a government investigation found the developer was failing to provide safe homes.

Swan Housing, which has partnered with Southend Council to deliver 1,760 new homes, as well as new shops and cafes, as part of the Queensway estate regeneration, was found to have breached national housing requirements.

A report published by the Regulator of Social Housing warned the firm was failing to meet fire, water and asbestos safety standards.

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Councillor Tony Cox, a long-term critic of the development, voiced fears the council had chosed the wrong partner for the project.

“The report raises major questions over Swan Housing’s ability to deliver liveable homes,” the leader of the Southend Conservative group, said.

“By the week it seems we get another story about Swan Housing’s poor performance. How can we trust them to not make a mess of this too?”

The scheme is currently facing a nine-month delay, after Swan Housing asked for a construction timeline extension, claiming the coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine had created a shortage in building materials.

Council bosses have defended the firm and say they have faith the project will be a success.

Councillor Ian Gilbert, cabinet member for economic recovery, housing and regeneration, said: “We remain committed to delivering the transformational Queensway project in partnership with Swan Housing Association for the benefit of the local community.”

The Government report noted Swan Housing had “put in place a programme to rectify the failures” and therefore no statutory action will be taken against the firm.

Susan Hickey, chief executive of Swan Housing Association, has issued an apology to customers and pledged to complete all outstanding asbestos surveys by the end of next month.

“We have put a robust improvement plan in place and are working closely with external advisors to ensure that this situation is rectified as a matter of urgency,” she said.

“Swan Housing Association’s absolute priority is to ensure our customers are safe in their homes and we will continue to engage with the regulator throughout the delivery of the improvement programme.”