TWO new housing developments have been completed as part of the council's ongoing commitment to increase high-quality affordable housing in the area.

The Colchester Council developments are made up of four one-bedroom maisonettes, two two-bedroom bungalows and one four-bedroom wheelchair accessible home at Cross Cottages, Boxted.

Notably, the bungalows and ground floor maisonettes feature accessible wet rooms.

The development, named Silver Band Close, is a nod to the celebrated Boxted’s Methodist Silver Band's 125th anniversary, the only one of its kind surviving in England.

Gazette: The close has been named after Boxted’s Methodist Silver Band

Also, at Veronica Walk, Greenstead, two two-bedroom houses and a three-bed, with an accessible ground floor wet room are being delivered.

These homes, managed by Colchester Borough Homes, will be let to residents demonstrating a housing need.

Smaller units are particularly appealing for applicants wishing to downsize, potentially freeing up larger family homes in the area.

The local firm, Rose Builders, is credited with completing both site developments.

These developments bring the total to 288 of the council's promise to deliver 350 new council-owned properties in the city by the end of 2024.

The campaign, which started in 2019, continues to address the local housing need, with further homes slated for delivery by the end of 2024 on other projects.

The council's commitment further extends to tackling the climate emergency.

All the houses will be built according to the Future Homes Standard to minimise carbon emissions and will include air source heating pumps, double glazing, and LED lighting.

Paul Smith, Colchester councillor responsible for housing, said: "It’s brilliant to see more new homes for those who need them.

"I’m particularly pleased that this tranche of homes includes a fully accessible property, adding to the stock we have available for those who need homes with accessible considerations.

"We are working hard to stick to our housing targets, and these homes are an important contribution to our commitment to new homes in Colchester."

The programme has obtained support through grant funding from Homes England and the council’s Housing Revenue Account, dedicated solely to improving or increasing affordable housing.