NEW council homes in Jaywick would be for local people, claim housing bosses.

Paul Honeywood, of Tendring Council, said plans to regenerate Jaywick would not see an influx of London families into council homes.

As well as building homes, the council is looking to develop a local housing letting policy.

“These will be local homes for local people – wewill have a local plan put in place,” said Mr Honeywood.

“Jaywick people will get the opportunity to apply first. We want to ensure Jaywick’s community spirit continues.”

The project will also include homes built by private developers.

“What we don’t want to do is build a massive council estate – there will be a mix of council housing and private investment,” said Mr Honeywood.

“There is the capacity for 300 homes, but it all depends on what people want in terms of style of housing and density.

“It would be completely wrong for authorities to tell people what it right for them. Potentially it is quite cheap land and early investors could make a lot of money.

“Profit is not a dirty word as it will drive private investment and improve people’s lives.”

The council has already bought land off Lotus Way and is expected to have up to 60 acres by the end of March.

The council has also been in discussion with Dutch authorities and developers about making homes safer on floodplains.

It is hoped that works could start as early as next year.