Criterion plans key worker homes on derelict Essex site

Asif Aziz’s Criterion Capital has submitted plans to transform a burnt-out derelict site in Thurrock, Essex into a 344-home scheme. The 2.5-acre site on Howard Road in Chafford Hundred was first set to be redeveloped almost a decade ago but has been slowed by numerous events, including the collapse of the former developer behind the original project in 2013 and a major fire in 2017. Criterion’s plans, lodged with Thurrock Council this month, are to build an affordable rental scheme for key workers, with rents set at between £750 and £950 per calendar month for one- and two-bedroom flats respectively. The scheme, to be called Mardyke Gardens, will be delivered across two buildings of five to 10 storeys. Criterion said it hoped to “stop the rot” on the site and provide homes that deliver for key workers who “put their lives on the line day in and day out for us”.   To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette Images by Bell Phillips Architects