The second phase of a housebuilding programme where 300 new homes across the district will be completed by 2024 has been completed.

Epping Forest District Council is one of the first local authorities to launch a new build programme of council homes for rent after many years of stagnation in the sector.

Phase two has provided 51 new affordable rented homes on the Broadway and Burton Road in Loughton.

A £6.37 million investment is also being made into 18 properties for sale on the open market across the district, to boost its stock of homes for rent.

The development comprises three blocks:

  • Davis Court is named after former Loughton Broadway Councillor Joan Davis, as a tribute to her decades of service to the local community
  • Churchill Court is named after the former Winston Churchill pub that was located on Loughton Broadway
  • Burton Road consists of terraced houses numbered 1-33

A one-bedroom flat in Davis Court is the first home for Jason Falco and fiancée Jodie Hyams, after living with parents for several years.

Mr Falco said: “We were gobsmacked when we went to view the new property.

“It is quite big for a flat and the layout is spacious. We couldn’t be happier in our first home together.”

The new-build energy-efficient homes are located on a former under-used garage site and conform to the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

Phase three will deliver a total of 34 new affordable homes over eight sites in Epping, North Weald and Coopersale and is on schedule for completion by August 2020.

Councillor Holly Whitbread, portfolio holder for housing and property services, said: “We are committed to making the best use of our housing stock and are continuing to build new homes for people in housing need within our community.

“We are proud to be working with residents and partners, building more well-designed homes for affordable rent in our district.”

For the latest news, service updates and reports click here.