Green homes based on the design of a hi-tech TV dream house could be coming to Shoebury.

Housing chiefs have launched a plan to bring 24 "green" flats to the borough in their bid to build environmentally-friendly homes.

The properties would bring major benefits to future tenants as the specialist technology planned for the flats would include:

Recycling washing up and bath water for flushing toilets

Thermostats on all radiators - giving greater control of heating

A system of underground cabling for digital television and computer networking.

St Luke's Labour councillor Reg Copley said although London would have the Millennium Dome, Southend would be getting its millennium homes.

Mr Copley, chairman of the housing and environmental services committee, said: "Members of the committee plan to visit the Building Research Establishment in Hertfordshire on April 16 to see for themselves the prototype house featured on TV by Carol Vordeman in Dream House.

"We are working in partnership with Swan Housing Group to provide green and intelligent housing in accordance with agenda 21 - sustainability guidelines and green issues.

"It will allow us to develop the most advanced green housing project in the town which will set a positive example for others to follow."

The proposals will be based on the Integer design system which will provide benefits to tenants as well as the environment.

Running costs are predicted to be lower in the flats and they would have lower maintenance costs.

The first hurdle will be for the council and Swan Housing to lodge a planning application to build the 24 flats.

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