NEW homes to help tackle the housing waiting list are set to be built in Pitsea – with key workers and veterans given priority.

Sempra Homes, Basildon Council’s homes building firm, has completed the purchase of a one hectare site at Bowers Close, near London Road, Pitsea, and is now preparing to begin work.

Planning permission has already been granted for 31 new homes and a mixture of shared ownership and affordable rent homes will be built if funding is secured from Homes England.

Sempra has confirmed that priority for the homes will be given to key workers, veterans and those on the council waiting list in the borough.

Melanie Keys, services manager at Sempra Homes, said: “I am delighted to confirm the successful completion of this land acquisition, which will add to Sempra’s expanding portfolio of sites.

“The entire acquisition process has gone extremely well with thanks to the combined efforts of Sempra’s New Business team and external agents who all worked hard to get the deal over the line.

“With the site already having planning permission in place to deliver a range of semi-detached and terraced homes that vary in size, from one bedroom through to four bedrooms, with policy complaint parking levels, this will cater for a broad range of renters and buyers, from singles, couples, and families.

“I look forward to seeing the site coming forward.”

The homes will be of a traditional character and built to a high specification.

They will be designed to be energy efficient, with soft landscaping and a green area of public open space to the middle of the development.

Andrew Baggott, leader of the Conservative group at Basildon Council, said: “Anything that helps our Basildon residents get housed is good, as we know there is a housing shortage.

“So, it is brilliant that our residents will be prioritised.

“It will be positive for both those on the housing waiting list as well as Basildon residents looking to purchase a home.”