FOUR new-built houses, which will provide social housing for families, have been unveiled in Aldham.

The properties, which are located on a former garage site in Hardings Close, have been transformed into two three-bedroom and two two-bedroom homes.

Each house has allocated parking, a garden and a shed with bike storage.

The homes have been designed with an air source heat pump and will achieve a 31 per cent saving on carbon emissions, which also makes them eco-friendly.

Councillor Andrew Ellis, responsible for housing and planning, said: “With nearly 3,000 people on our local housing register, the transformation of underused council-owned garage sites into high quality family homes is beneficial for everyone.

“Colchester Borough Council will continue to work closely with Colchester Borough Homes and Colchester Amphora Homes, to explore and develop more opportunities to expand our stock of affordable houses.”

The council has committed to building 350 new council-owned properties by 2024.