A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed onsite. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to live in safe, secure homes and no longer living on the streets.
Planning permission was granted by Basildon Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 26th January for the former ITEC site in Burnt Mills Road, Basildon.
The new development will act as follow-on accommodation specifically for Basildon residents who have found themselves experiencing periods of homelessness. Residents will live in the homes for a maximum of three years and some will stay for a minimum of six months on an assured shorthold tenancy.
The scheme, which will have office space for support workers, council staff and supporting agencies, has been funded through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) from the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities).
The six modular units, known as SoloHaus, have been gifted by The Hill Group as part of their commitment to providing 200 homes over the next five years. They will provide safe, comfortable, sustainable homes for single people experiencing periods of homelessness. The 10 one-bed homes inside the building will be managed by the housing association, Peabody South East, in partnership with Basildon Council.
Andy Hill, Chief Executive, The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with Basildon Council on this scheme which once complete will change peoples’ lives for the better. It is excellent news that planning has now been approved, and we are looking forward to working with all of the teams to deliver SoloHaus in Essex.”
Chairman of the Housing and Estate Renewal Committee Councillor Andrew Schrader commented: “The scheme aims to provide our residents affected by homelessness with a home. Receiving support, vocational training and the skills required to be able to move on and sustain their own tenancy, they will get the opportunity to turn their lives around.”
In January, Cornwall Council entered into a landmark deal to buy SoloHaus ‘micro homes’ to help tackle the housing crisis. More on that story here.
