OUTDATED flats in Essex are being demolished as part of a district council’s plan to update its housing stock.

Uttlesford District Council is replacing an existing block of sheltered flats in Holloway Cresent, Leaden Roding with a small development of eight two and three-bedroom family homes. The properties are being built on council-owned Brownfield land and are wholly funded by UDC.

Cllr Julie Redfern, cabinet member for housing, said: “The current sheltered flats contained bedsit accommodation, which had become increasingly difficult to let as they were becoming less popular.

“I am therefore delighted the next phase of this building project is now under way.”

Five new bungalows, which have been built with an emphasis on accessibility, to provide comfortable, modern homes for elderly members of the community, have already been built and are now occupied.

UDC retains the full nomination rights to the eight properties, some of which will be let to applicants with a connection to Leaden Roding.

Cllr Redfern added: “Uttlesford District Council is one of the first local authorities to be building new homes in their district. We know that there is a huge shortfall of affordable housing in this district and that it is difficult for people to be able to afford to live in their local area.

“This development will provide much-needed properties and will hopefully mean that some locals will not have to look outside the area for accommodation.”

The district council went ahead with plans to demolish the 17 flats because building the eight new properties on the site was a more cost-effective option than remodelling the current building and the properties will be much more energy efficient for tenants.

Cllr Sue Barker, who represents the Rodings, said: “I am pleased that this project is under way, bringing additional family housing to the village.”