Derelict land on Parnall Road that has been a disused eyesore since 2006 has been purchased by Harlow Council to house families on the Housing Needs Register.
Construction of seven three-storey, three-bedroom town houses is part of the council’s major house building programme.
The land, on the corner of Risdens and Longbanks and opposite Stewards Academy, was formerly a builder’s merchant and offices but has been vacant for many years. It is now overgrown and a fly-tipping hotspot.
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The council made the decision to move ahead with the purchase of the land at its Cabinet meeting in January 2022.
Councillor Dan Swords, Deputy Leader of Harlow Council, said: “Buying this land – without borrowing any money – is a significant step forward for the regeneration of Staple Tye.
"Currently, this land is an eyesore and brings absolutely no benefit to the local community or the town.
"This purchase will change that and is a major boost to our house-building plans as it means we can build even more council homes to meet local housing need."
He added: "The new council homes that we build here will be of the highest quality using the very latest technology to make them carbon neutral.
"Our house building programme is all about building the right homes in the right places to the highest standards so that we can truly improve the lives of Harlow families.
"I would like to thank council staff who have worked hard to secure the purchase of this site."
In a video clip on the council’s website Mr Swords added that the purchase was “a good day for Harlow families”.
The purchase has been funded using section 106 funds received by the council from the development on the former Churchgate Hotel site.
Work is now taking place to confirm the plans for the development ahead of a planning application being submitted later this year. The council is also planning to build new homes in Staple Tye on the former Lister House site and the Staple Tye Depot on Perry Road.
Find out more information on the council’s website https://www.harlow.gov.uk/news
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