THE developer behind a half-built flat-pack homes’ development in Southend insists work will continue - but a new contractor must be found first.

No work has taken place at the 131 home Meadow Grange development in almost a year after the project was put “on pause” in June 2023.

The half-built homes, behind Waitrose in Fossetts Way, Southend, have stood empty and incomplete ever since and have been repeatedly branded an “eyesore” by residents and councillors.

Developer Guinness has now insisted work will resume “as soon as possible” but the process of finding a contractor has proved “complex”.

Initially, the firm partnered with Ilke Homes before it went into administration last year.

Tony Cox, the current leader at Southend Council, said: “It is very frustrating. The whole point of doing developments with the modular housing is that they would have been up by now and have people in them.

“That clearly hasn’t been the case.

“I just hope they can find a partner as soon as possible to finish them off as we don’t want it to become an eyesore.

“We are stuck, as the project is out of the council’s hand. I just hope it can be resolved quickly now.”

Workers were reportedly spotted on site in August 2023, and it was claimed Guinness told a nearby residents “workmen were waterproofing the properties that are there in the hope to preserve them”.

In an update this week, Guinness Homes said the project is still paused, and confirmed they are still working to appoint a new contractor to complete the development.

A spokesperson from The Guinness Partnership said: “Due to the complexity of the procurement process to find a new contractor for the site, we have not yet been able to recommence work at Fossetts Way.

“We will recommence construction as soon as possible.”

Plans say the homes boast “high-quality finishing touches, contemporary designs to suit modern living, and private gardens”.

The developer stated: “You’ll have everything you need to settle into your new home. Whether you are a first-time buyer, growing family, or downsize, Meadow Grange is the ideal place to make a change and put down roots.”