GOVERNMENT money could be used to kickstart a raft of south Essex housing projects including a £100million Southend seafront scheme.

Councils across the region have joined forces under the umbrella of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) to attract funding to get stalled housing and regeneration projects off the ground in order to deliver 1,000 new homes.

Developments in Southend, Rochford, Castle Point, Basildon and Thurrock are poised to benefit from the funding, including the landmark Marine Plaza development on Southend seafront.

Councils are set to receive up to £250,000 of funding to help support developers by exploring different funding opportunities. Homes England is currently helping councils to identify the best sites ahead of submitting applications for the grants.

Marine Plaza was granted planning permission in 2015 but while buildings on the site, including the Foresters Arms pub were demolished, not a brick has been laid since.

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Hoardings now surround the prominent three-acre site earmarked for 282 apartments, restaurants, cafes and bars overlooking the Golden Mile.

Paul Collins, Lib Dem cabinet member for asset management and inward investment, said: “Through the Association of South Essex Local Authorities, councils across south Essex have been negotiating with Homes England to access their funding support to unlock stalled sites that have existing planning consents but remain undelivered for various reasons.

“Marine Plaza is a clear example of a site which the council wants to see start and deliver the housing that has planning approval, and so through this work across south Essex we’re collectively trying to access Homes England funding to support the developer unlock the site and then enable them to get the development underway.”

The council has also given the company the chance to buy a neighbouring site.

A spokesman for Homes England, said: “With ASELA, the partnership aims to transform housing and regeneration in the region – there is a recognised need for, and commitment to, a programme of strategic and tactical interventions that would significantly increase delivery rates. The ambition is to embed outstanding place making principles in every project so local communities can thrive and see a step change in employment and skills, life chances and health and wellbeing.”