WORK to demolish more than a dozen empty bungalows built in the 1950s and create ten new council homes has finally begun.

The site, in Ganels Road, Billericay, is set to be transformed into ten new “high-quality” homes after plans were approved back in December 2021.

Bulldozers moved in this week and the old bungalows, deemed to be “not fit for purpose” and “undersized”, will be razed to the ground.

Sempra Homes is carrying out the work on behalf of Basildon Council and the homes will go to residents on the housing waiting list.

Andrew Baggott, Conservative councillor responsible for the Burstead ward, said: “It is good to see things moving forwards.

“We always have to recognise anything that involved development is a sensitive issue.

“But I have faith in Sempra Homes, and I am sure they will engage with public to show it is good project and something residents will welcome.”

Sempa has stated the new homes will be “high-quality modern houses” with a variety of mixed tenure, including social rent and shared ownership.

Sempra say the social rented homes will to be allocated to residents on the council’s waiting list, and shared ownership will be a part of the affordable housing programme, with priority given to Basildon Borough residents, key workers, and veterans.

As part of the development programme, Sempra Homes will also be providing opportunities for labour employment and apprenticeships.

Wickford-based contractor Indecon Building Ltd has been appointed to deliver the demolition and construction works and Essex-based Employers Agents, PSW Building Consultancy Ltd.

A series of site visits with students from schools in the area are also set to be arranged to provide out of classroom learning opportunities and promote construction careers.

Melanie Keys, services manager at Sempra Homes, added: “We are really pleased to see another Sempra Homes development coming forward providing high-quality new homes of a mixed tenure, including social rent and shared ownership.

“The whole team has worked hard to put in place a programme of developments to support the wider housing needs of the borough and Ganels Road is another great exampl