Tendring District Council is celebrating after winning a prestigious Essex Housing Award for its innovative new sheltered housing scheme in Lawford.

The Honeycroft development, in Waldegrave Way, was named winner of the Small Housing Schemes category at the awards ceremony held at Hylands House in Chelmsford on 16 October.

The event recognises the best housing projects and partnerships across the county.

Honeycroft is a £3.25 million development built on a former brownfield site, offering 13 single-storey homes specially designed for older residents. The project supports the council’s priorities, including ensuring residents can take pride in our area and services, as well as enabling people to stay independent and part of their community as their needs change.

Delivered in partnership with Manningtree-based contractor Rose Builders last year, the homes include step-free access, spacious wet rooms, private gardens, and a community building for activities.

There are also charging sheds for mobility scooters, wheelchair-friendly spaces, and safety systems to support later-life living.

The scheme also leads the way in sustainability, with energy-saving features such as solar panels, air source heat pumps, and structural insulated panels. These help reduce carbon emissions and keep running costs low – supporting both the environment and residents’ finances.

Councillor Andy Baker, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said: “Honeycroft is a shining example of what can be achieved by working with partners to improve quality of life for our residents.

“These homes are built to high environmental standards, making them more affordable to run and better for the planet – while also supporting people to live comfortably in later life.

“I’d like to thank our housing teams for their dedication and hard work in bringing this scheme to life.

“Their efforts have been rightly recognised with this award, and their commitment to quality and care has made a real difference.

“I hope the new residents – and those who’ve returned to Honeycroft after many years – are settling in well and enjoying their beautiful new homes.”

Honeycroft was also named as a finalist in the ‘Meeting Housing Needs: Homlessness’ category, while TDC’s Spendells Project in Walton-on-the-Naze was a finalist in the ‘Specialist Housing’ category.

Top Image: Essex Housing Awards

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