WORK to build 128 new homes in Tilbury will begin in April.

The site in St Chad’s Road was given the green light earlier this week after Thurrock Council transferred the land to its housing arm Gloriana.

Councillor Lynn Worrall, in charge of housing said it had been a long time coming.

She said: “These won’t be ‘council homes’ in the traditional way, but Thurrock Council will be the landlord as we expect these houses will be rented initially – and rented by local people - but they will also be available to buy through shared-equity and even outright – at market value.”

The development will be made up of terraced and courtyard houses in a grid pattern of avenues, streets and mews, as well as public spaces.

Ms Worrall explained: “We believe Thurrock is unique in putting this sort of scheme together, although others look like they will be following our lead.

“These homes will be affordable for local people, both for rent and sale. This is about development and growth – a catalyst but not a competitor to developers showing potential investors building good-quality, well-designed housing is possible and attractive in Thurrock.”