A NEW affordable housing development has been unveiled in Rayleigh.

Rochford Housing, part of the Sanctuary Group, has completed the first phase of the Stratford House redevelopment in Hockley Road, which will provide 13 apartments and houses for affordable rent or shared ownership.

Seven of the properties have now been finished, and an ancient milestone marker was put back in one of the gardens at the same time.

It has been removed while building work was under way but has been restored in its original position.

Karen Johnson, managing director at Rochford Housing, said: “This really is cause for celebration, with seven high quality new homes now finished, six more due for completion in the new year, and the local heritage of Rayleigh protected and respected throughout the project.”

Mike Davies, from Rayleigh Through the Looking Glass, said: “It is fantastic to see this historic milestone back in its rightful place and we’re grateful to Sanctuary for working with us to maintain, preserve and protect our roadside heritage in this way.”

Ian Ward, chairman of Rayleigh town council, added: “This is indeed a double celebration. It is good news for the local area to have these seven new homes completed, with six more to follow."