CONSTRUCTION has ground to a halt on building 131 flat-pack homes in a new mini-village in Southend.

Developer Guinness announced at the end of last week that the development has officially "paused" but they hope it will "resume as soon as possible".

One resident, who asked not to be named, claimed the developer has “sent out emails to those who have currently reserved a property in Phase 1 to say it’s been cancelled, and that they have ceased actively selling any properties due to the uncertainty of the build following the financial difficulties of Ilke homes".

However, Guinness refused to comment further when contacted by the Echo.

Westborough ward Labour councillor Anne Jones, shadow portfolio holder for housing, planning and the local plan, said: “Hearing that construction has been paused at Meadow Grange is unwelcome news.

“This could last as long as it takes Ilke Homes to secure a buyer for their modular homes production business and that is concerning.

“These homes are much needed and in a sustainable location for Southend.

“We will be keeping a close eye on this and hope that production and construction resumes soon so that Southend’s housing needs do not fall further.”

Meadow Grange is a development partnership between Guinness Homes and Ilke Homes which is set to boast an “exquisite collection” of 131 affordable flat-pack properties, 54 of which being “zero carbon”.

Last Friday, the York Press reported that the North Yorkshire-based Ilke Homes reportedly told “hundreds of its staff to stay at home” as it aims to find a buyer.

They blamed it on the “volatile macro-economic conditions and issues with the planning system.”

Guinness Homes statement read: “Construction at Meadow Grange has paused as of June 2023.

“We hope to resume as soon as possible.

“Please keep checking the website and we’ll share updates when available.

“If you have already reserved, please contact us.”

Tony Cox, leader of Southend City Council, said: “We are aware of the announcements made by Guinness and that of Ikle Homes.

“The information suggests that the funding and investment is being looked at but until that happens, staff have had to leave the site.

“We were made aware that this could only be temporary but at this moment in time, we hope the situation resolves as speedily and quickly as possible and that people can get into their homes.”