Introduction
Through our Corporate Strategy, Brentwood 2025, we have committed to a £60 million programme over seven years to deliver the next generation of modern council homes. These homes will make best use of existing, underused land in the Borough, such as garage sites, and will be built to the latest low energy standard.
Our strategy also commits us to deliver housing to meet local needs, with an appropriate mix of sizes and tenure. Some will be for affordable rent and some for shared ownership. With the average house price in Brentwood being £452,606, providing affordable housing for our residents is the key challenge to overcome.
This page will be regularly updated with details of new council housing that’s in development and our plans for future homes.
Brookfield Close
Ward: Hutton Central
Planning Committee Approval: June 2021
Anticipated start date: Autumn 2023
Description: Redevelopment of brownfield site, including demolition of houses and bungalows. The development aims to provide zero carbon, affordable homes incorporating conversion and EnerPHit of Courage Court. The site will deliver 16 houses and 46 flats, provision of open space, landscaping with above ground SUDs features and associated works.
The new houses and flats include one, two, three and four-bedroom, zero carbon (in-use) dwellings, associated amenity space, communal parking and allotments.
Zero-carbon (in use) means the amount of carbon emissions associated with the proposed dwellings and buildings operational energy is zero or negative, with any outstanding emissions being offset by renewable energy sources. The development will include shared ownership and open market housing.
At the end of January, we will be arranging for temporary fencing followed by more permanent hoarding around the site to ensure everyone’s safety, security and to help keep the area looking tidy and maintained.
We understand that hoardings can be unsightly, so we will engage and work with the community, local churches, groups and schools to help us bring them to life with some creative artwork. If you know of any local groups who may be interested in this opportunity, get in touch.
Main contact: newcouncilhomes@brentwood.gov.uk
Crescent Road
Ward: Brentwood West
Planning Committee Approval: June 2022
Start date: March 2022
Completed: November 2022
Description: Conversion and refurbishment of two storey dwelling into two affordable housing units.
Works on site are now completed to convert this vacant Edwardian, Council owned property into 2 x 2 Bedroom affordable homes by the appointed contractor Colnesett Ltd.
The building is sub-divided using ground floor and first floor as existing obvious divisions.
Entrance to the building is controlled via private access from a new, shared lobby extension. Small structural alterations were required internally to facilitate the sub-division together with the more wholesale refurbishment.
Internally, the quality of the refurbishment is high with new finishes throughout. Mechanical and electrical installations have been replaced, and new kitchens and bathrooms installed.
All new appliances and heating systems will be included to target carbon reduction through use, where available.
The properties are now occupied.
View the Local Letting Plan (LLP) for 17 & 17a Crescent Road (PDF).
Main contact: newcouncilhomes@brentwood.gov.uk
Harewood regeneration
Ward: Pilgrims Hatch
Status: Planning application approved December 2022.
Redevelopment of brownfield site, including demolition of bungalows to provide 40 zero carbon (in use) affordable homes.
The main objectives for the development of this site are:
- to deliver a leading and second Zero Carbon in use development within Essex
- to deliver an increased level of quality with 100% Affordable Housing at Pilgrims Hatch, Harewood Road
- to champion the art of possibilities and redefine standards of living to provide better quality of life for occupants
- delivering much-need housing in the borough
- applying cutting edge design principles to ensure the homes meet the highest of environmental standards
- providing a higher level of affordable homes, in excess of policy compliance
Zero-carbon (in use) means the amount of carbon emissions associated with the proposed dwellings and buildings operational energy is zero or negative, with any outstanding emissions being offset by renewable energy sources. The development will include shared ownership and open market housing.
The new homes team are working closely to support residents affected by the redevelopment, and those in the surrounding area.
For more information, to have your say and register for updates, visit Harewood Regeneration.
Highwood Close
Ward: Brentwood North
Planning Committee Approval: To be submitted Summer 2023
Description: To deliver 12 new, affordable, zero carbon, in use homes at the northern end of Highwood Close, as part of our Affordable Housing Development New Council Homes Programme.
Zero-carbon (in use) means the amount of carbon emissions associated with the proposed dwellings and buildings operational energy is zero or negative, with any outstanding emissions being offset by renewable energy sources. At Highwood Close, we aim to deliver 100% affordable rented homes available to those on the Housing or Transfer Register.
We are currently in a consultation period with Residents for this proposed project. Find out more details in relation to the site proposals and submit your feedback by visiting Highwood Close.
This consultation closes on Tuesday 21 March 2023.
Main contact: newcouncilhomes@brentwood.gov.uk
Whittington Mews
Ward: Hutton North
Planning Committee Approval: June 2019
Completion: February 2022
Description: Three new homes have been completed at a former garage site at Barnston Way. In April 2019 a planning application for the demolition of existing garages and construction of three new homes with access to adjacent playing fields was submitted and granted approval by our Planning Committee in June 2019.
Following the development of technical design, a competitive tender was held, and the construction contract awarded to SEH French Limited. Whittington Mews consists of three townhouse style properties. Two of these are fully adaptable with ground floor level entry bathrooms. The internal specification is to a high standard with integrated storage, cycle provision and air source heat pumps. Each dwelling has onsite parking provision with electric vehicle charging and landscaping.
View the Local Lettings Plan for 1-3 Whittington Mews (PDF).
Willingale Close
Ward: Hutton East
Planning Committee Approval: February 2022
Anticipated start date: Autumn 2023
Description: Demolition of existing garages and construction of 3 x three-bedroom, zero carbon (in use) affordable homes with landscaping and parking. Zero-carbon (in use) means the amount of carbon emissions associated with the proposed dwellings and buildings operational energy is zero or negative, with any outstanding emissions being offset by renewable energy sources.
Main contact: newcouncilhomes@brentwood.gov.uk