Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Pilot Project

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Consultation has concluded

Southend 2050 is the borough’s ambition for the future, developed through extensive conversations with those that live, work, visit and study in Southend-on-Sea. The Council is committed to providing affordable homes for residents of the borough who are unable to rent or buy on the open market. To meet this commitment, the Council’s Strategic Housing team along with South Essex Homes are currently reviewing council owned garage sites and underused land that have the potential to deliver much needed residential accommodation. 

Three garage sites have been identified, two within the Saxon Gardens estate and one off Archer Avenue as having potential to deliver much needed affordable housing via Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Preliminary site investigation works have indicated that the sites are capable of development.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a process that can encompass the use of new and traditional materials often with extensive factory produced sub-assembly sections and components. This may be in combination with accelerated on-site assembly methods and often to the exclusion of many of the traditional construction industry trades.

There are a number of potential benefits to utilising a MMC approach for house construction such as speed of build, reduction in defects, cost reduction (on larger scale schemes), waste reduction and energy savings for tenants.

Saxon Gardens


Archer Avenue



Previous Developments

Over the past few years the Council has proactively looked at ways to regenerate its under-utilised garage sites to benefit the residents of the Borough. Recently the Council has taken some of these sites and utilised them for much needed affordable housing, which has improved the quality of the local area

Phase 1 - Shoeburyness (Ashanti, Exeter & Bulwark)

The Council completed developing six former garage sites in Ashanti Close, Exeter Close and Bulwark Road in 2017. The sites which were formerly subject to antisocial behaviour, but now house eighteen affordable homes. Please see below for pictures from the complete development on Phase 1.



Phase 2 - St Laurence Ward (Rochford Road & Audleys Close)

The Council completed the development of two garage sites in the St Laurence Ward in 2019. The two sites were in disrepair and subject to anti-social behaviour. The smaller site, Audleys Close had limitation due to its size, location and an electrical sub station. However we were able to construct a two bedroom wheelchair user compliant bungalow making the best use of the available space (photos below). The larger site on Rochford Road has been developed to house 12 x 2 bedroom flats (4 of which are wheelchair user dwellings), and 3 x 3 bedroom houses. Please see below for photos.

Rochford Road


Audleys Close





Southend 2050 is the borough’s ambition for the future, developed through extensive conversations with those that live, work, visit and study in Southend-on-Sea. The Council is committed to providing affordable homes for residents of the borough who are unable to rent or buy on the open market. To meet this commitment, the Council’s Strategic Housing team along with South Essex Homes are currently reviewing council owned garage sites and underused land that have the potential to deliver much needed residential accommodation. 

Three garage sites have been identified, two within the Saxon Gardens estate and one off Archer Avenue as having potential to deliver much needed affordable housing via Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Preliminary site investigation works have indicated that the sites are capable of development.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a process that can encompass the use of new and traditional materials often with extensive factory produced sub-assembly sections and components. This may be in combination with accelerated on-site assembly methods and often to the exclusion of many of the traditional construction industry trades.

There are a number of potential benefits to utilising a MMC approach for house construction such as speed of build, reduction in defects, cost reduction (on larger scale schemes), waste reduction and energy savings for tenants.

Saxon Gardens


Archer Avenue



Previous Developments

Over the past few years the Council has proactively looked at ways to regenerate its under-utilised garage sites to benefit the residents of the Borough. Recently the Council has taken some of these sites and utilised them for much needed affordable housing, which has improved the quality of the local area

Phase 1 - Shoeburyness (Ashanti, Exeter & Bulwark)

The Council completed developing six former garage sites in Ashanti Close, Exeter Close and Bulwark Road in 2017. The sites which were formerly subject to antisocial behaviour, but now house eighteen affordable homes. Please see below for pictures from the complete development on Phase 1.



Phase 2 - St Laurence Ward (Rochford Road & Audleys Close)

The Council completed the development of two garage sites in the St Laurence Ward in 2019. The two sites were in disrepair and subject to anti-social behaviour. The smaller site, Audleys Close had limitation due to its size, location and an electrical sub station. However we were able to construct a two bedroom wheelchair user compliant bungalow making the best use of the available space (photos below). The larger site on Rochford Road has been developed to house 12 x 2 bedroom flats (4 of which are wheelchair user dwellings), and 3 x 3 bedroom houses. Please see below for photos.

Rochford Road


Audleys Close





Consultation has concluded

  • Saxon Gardens - September update

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    The main contractor has completed the demolition works, and footings have now been completed on both sites within Saxon Gardens (see images below). The block and beam element of the works is due to commence imminently.

    We are aware of concerns raised via the considerate contractors scheme and can confirm that the main contractor has committed to the following in recognition of the feedback:

    • 'Tool Box Talk’ on being a good neighbour to be given to anyone working on the site.
    • Speed limits have now been introduced for all works vehicles approaching the site.
    • Site foreman is to be more visible, during work vehicle movement operations.
    • The Site Office location is now clearly marked for residents to discuss any issues.



  • August 2021 Update

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    The site contractor (Marfleet and Blythe) has now undertaken, initial drainage connection works on the Railway section of the site.

    Both the Railway and Garage sections of the site have now been secured.

    Demolition of the garage site by the main contractor, is due to commence early August. This forms the start of the program of works, which is due for practical completion in early April 2022.

    Marfleet and Blythe, will be distributing updates to the residents in due course.

  • Saxon Gardens - May 2021 Update

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    The main contractor procurement has now been completed and the contract awarded to Marfleet & Blythe. The contractor has experience of delivering affordable housing for Southend Borough Council on similar sites.

    They will be contacting the residents (in due course) via letter to introduce themselves, and intend to keep residents apprised via newsletters.

    Design works are currently underway, and they hope to achieve a start on site by the end of July 2021.

    The two sites are to be delivered as follows:

    Saxon (A) Garage Site (2 x 4 bed) site delivered as traditional build to zero carbon standard with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) toilet pod.

    Saxon (B) Railway Site (2 x 2 bed) site delivered as timber frame construction MMC toilet pod. Timber Frame construction facilitates a shorter building timeframe and thus minimises any potential disruption to local residents

    Est construction programme completion – April 22

  • Saxon Gardens - Oct 2020

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    Planning Permission

    The two sites in Saxon Gardens in Shoeburyness have been granted planning permission. Details below:

    Garages Rear Of 187 Saxon Gardens Shoeburyness Southend-On-Sea Essex SS3 9PW

    Erect 2 semi-detached dwelling houses on former garage site to rear of 187 Saxon Gardens, layout parking to front, amenity space to rear and erect toilet block for the allotments

    Ref. No: 20/00817/BC3


    Garages Rear Of 146-156 Saxon Gardens Shoeburyness Southend-On-Sea Essex

    Demolish former garage block to the rear of 146-156 Saxon Gardens and erect 2 semi-detached dwelling houses, layout parking to front and amenity space to rear

    Ref. No: 20/00816/BC3

    The site plans can be found on the planning portal using the reference above, or in the documents section of this website.


  • Saxon Gardens - Jun 2020 update

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    Southend-on-Sea Borough Council would like to provide an update on the project in Shoeburyness.

    Since our last update, the project team has undertaken architectural works and sought advice through a pre-application meeting with the Local Planning Authority. The planning advice has been fed into the design process and as a result it has been deemed appropriate to progress with plans to develop the two sites with two dwellings on each.

    Please see below the site plans for the two sites:

    Saxon Gardens A Saxon Gardens B
















    The Council will continue to update residents with the progress of the project as it develops. Furthermore

    local residents will have the opportunity to engage with the Local Planning Authority as part of the planning process if they wish to do so.



  • Archer Avenue - June 2020 update

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    Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is committed to providing affordable homes for residents of the borough who are unable to rent or buy on the open market. To meet this commitment, the Council’s Strategic Housing team along with South Essex Homes are currently reviewing council owned garage sites and underused land that have the potential to deliver much needed residential accommodation.

    A garage site in Archer Avenue has been identified as having potential to deliver much needed affordable housing. Preliminary site investigation works have indicated that the site (highlighted below) is capable of development.

    The site in question forms part of the Council’s Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) pilot project which seeks to utilize off-site delivery methods to provide accommodation.

    The project team have appointed Pellings LLP to act as Employers Agent (EA). They will assist the Council in progressing the project. It is the Council’s intention to secure a main contractor who will undertake the design works, planning submission and construction of the dwelling/s. The procurement work to secure a main contractor will be undertaken over the coming months.

    The Council will continue to update residents with the progress of the project as it develops. Furthermore, local residents will have the opportunity to engage with the Local Planning Authority as part of the planning process if/when a planning application is submitted.