Demolition of an old 1960s block in Barking, east London, is now underway to make way for over 90 quality affordable homes for local people.

And to see how the works are coming along was Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell and Be First’s Tom Mather.

Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s great to see the demolition is underway because it’s another sign that we’re building on our record of providing homes for aspirational working-class residents.

“We are proud of our record of that we’re building up to 80 per cent of our homes at affordable prices for people on low incomes.

“This is among the highest in London.”

Tom Mather, Construction Director at Be First, which is developing the new homes, said: “Building these new affordable homes is just the start of our ambitious programme.

“We are now moving into the fast lane on our mission to build thousands of new, affordable homes for local people.”

William Jerram, Managing Director of Jerram Falkus, who are the project builders, said, “We are delighted to have commenced works on site at the Sebastian Court development.

“This will be our first project with Be First but is a continuation of a long established relationship delivering projects in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. We look forward to working together in partnership to construct new quality homes in the area”.

Consultation on the plans for the new development will commence in March and the final planning application is expected to be submitted to the council’s planning committee in the summer.  Details here.

Hear what the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, has to say here.

Over the next four years Be First will be delivering up to 2,700 homes for local people and around 80 per cent will be affordable.