DISUSED garages which have become a magnet for fly-tippers could be bulldozed to make way for homes for people living on the streets.  

Eight modular homes would be built on land on Juniper Road in Leigh which currently which has 31 garages, but only two currently in use. 

The housing scheme, set to be discussed by Southend Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, would see the properties used by the Salvation Army in Southend.

The council said the garages attract people committing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The properties would be donated and constructed by Foundation 200, who selected Southend as one of the authorities to benefit from a donation of up to eight, one-bedroom homes. 

Ian Gilbert, leader of the council with a responsibility for housing, said: “If agreed and subject to securing planning permission, thanks to the Hill Foundation 200 Project and The Salvation Army, this project would see up to eight new homes in Southend for people who are moving on from homelessness and temporary accommodation. 

“This will be their next step to becoming independent. 

“At the moment, the disused garages attract anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and vandalism. 

“I’m sure many residents will be glad to see this proposal to put the land to better use and at minimal cost to the council.”

The council will be working with the two remaining garage tenants who still use the site to find alternatives. 

If agreed, the land will be leased to The Salvation Army for a peppercorn rent for ten years, to help those moving on from homelessness and temporary accommodation. 

The Southend charity will house people that have low to medium support needs, and will be given tailor-made support to help them continue with their fresh start, including opportunities with education and employment settings.

Subject to planning permission, the modular homes would be supplied and installed as part of the Hill’s Foundation 200 programme, launched in 2019 to mark the company’s 20th anniversary.

It is a £12m initiative to help provide a solution to homelessness by delivering 200 specially designed and fully equipped modular homes over the next five years.