Thurrock Council is set to begin a major decarbonisation project to improve the energy efficiency of 206 homes across the borough.
This initiative, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund – Wave 2.2, aims to upgrade homes with the poorest thermal performance, ensuring they achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B or C.
The programme will commence in May 2025 and is expected to be completed by May 2026. The homes benefiting from these upgrades include 185 Leca B Non-Traditional homes in the Flowers Estate, South Ockendon, and 21 Aireys Non-Traditional homes in Maltings Lane and Ridgewell Avenue, Orsett.
The project will provide essential improvements to increase energy efficiency, including the removal of concrete panels and reconstruction of external walls, installation of External Wall Insulation, loft insulation upgrades, mechanical ventilation installation, replacement of windows and external doors, and LED lighting installation throughout properties.
Each household will have access to a dedicated Resident Liaison Officer, and ongoing engagement sessions will provide updates, allow residents to ask questions, and offer feedback. Weekly drop-in surgeries will also be available for residents to receive additional information and support.
As part of the engagement process, initial resident information events took place in February 2025 at Orsett Village Hall and Flowers Community Hall, where residents had the opportunity to meet the project team, view material samples, and select the final exterior finish, which will be applied based on the majority vote.
Additional engagement sessions will be scheduled to ensure residents remain informed.