WORK is under way on an electricity substation which will provide power for new homes in Jaywick.

Contractors Rose Builders have started piling for the base which will accommodate an electrical plant.

The plant will power ten new homes being built by Tendring Council off Lotus Way.

The infrastructure is needed before construction can start on the development, which will be made up of five council homes and five homes for sale.

Priority for all ten of the new properties will be given to local residents.

Once built, the substation can also support further planned development in the Jaywick area.

Tendring Council said it is is primarily funding the new homes, alongside a grant contribution from Homes England.

Homes England has been working in partnership with the council and residents to bring forward the “much-needed” new development in the deprived area.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring Council’s councillor responsible for housing, hailed the work as the first step on a journey to bring a range of benefits to the residents of Jaywick.

“Before we can build homes we need the necessary infrastructure to support them, and while Essex County Council has brought the roads up to a good standard we also need electricity,” said Mr Honeywood, whose cabinet position also has special responsibility for Jaywick.

“Once the substation is built there’s a clear path forward for building our new homes here, and work is ongoing on developing the future for Jaywick.

“Construction of the new homes will start in the spring and we hope to complete them with new residents moving in towards the end of the year.

“The work has not been without its challenges, with a large number of reptiles delaying the work for a year, but now that we are on site we hope to make good progress.

“Jaywick is a hidden gem and has enormous potential.

“That’s why, working with the community and other partners, we’re looking to invest and lead the way to bring about significant and lasting change for the benefit of all.”