Colchester City Council has welcomed three new three-bedroom accessible bungalows into its housing stock this summer, with a further two-bedroom bungalow expected later this year, perfect for someone who is looking to move into a smaller home. The delivery of these homes was supported by Homes England funding through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme.
The new homes will provide much-needed accommodation for residents with mobility and accessibility needs, helping people live more independently in homes designed to support them.
One of the new bungalows has already been offered to a family with significant accessibility requirements. Their current home no longer meets their needs, and the move will provide a safer, more suitable environment that supports greater independence for all members of the household.
We expect the remaining accessible bungalows to be allocated to households with similarly high-priority needs, ensuring these specialist homes support residents who will benefit from them most. For families in this situation, moving to a more suitable home can be truly life-changing, improving comfort, independence and quality of life.
Helping residents move into homes that meet their needs
Providing new homes is only one part of the council's wider commitment to tackling housing need across Colchester.
Providing new homes is only one part of the council's wider commitment to tackling housing need across Colchester.
Alongside plans to acquire 65 additional council homes during 2026/27, the council is continuing to help residents move into accommodation that better suits their current circumstances, making the best use of its housing stock while supporting people to live independently.
For some residents, this means moving to a more accessible home when their mobility needs change. For others, it may mean rightsizing to accommodation that is easier to manage, helping larger family homes become available for households waiting for suitable housing.
The new bungalows demonstrate this approach in action, providing high-quality homes that are specifically designed to support residents with mobility needs and improve their wellbeing, comfort and independence.
To mark the completion of the new homes, the council hosted a visit for partners and stakeholders on 11 August, providing an opportunity to see first-hand how the properties have been designed to support accessible living.
More opportunities coming soon
The council is also looking ahead to the delivery of a new two-bedroom accessible bungalow later this year.
The council is also looking ahead to the delivery of a new two-bedroom accessible bungalow later this year.
The property is expected to be advertised through the council's housing allocation process and will provide another valuable opportunity for residents who may be looking to move from a home that is now larger than they need.
Alongside this, the Housing Team is exploring opportunities to hold a viewing day at a new two-bed bungalow for residents interested in learning more about rightsizing and the support available to help them move into accommodation that better suits their circumstances. If you, or a family member, are interested in attending a rightsizing tour, please contact the Lettings team on 01206 508928.
Councillor Rhys Smithson, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "Everyone deserves a safe, secure home that meets their needs and allows them to live independently.
“These new accessible bungalows will make a real difference to residents whose current accommodation is no longer suitable for their circumstances. For some families, a move like this can be genuinely life changing.
“As a council, we're committed to increasing the supply of council housing, supporting residents to move into homes that are a better fit for their needs, and making the best use of our existing housing stock.
“Alongside our plans to acquire more homes across the city, developments like these help ensure local people can access the right home at the right time, supporting stronger communities and better outcomes for residents."