Thurrock Council's cabinet has backed the demolition of three tower blocks in the Blackshots estate after officers found the buildings no longer meet modern safety standards and have become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.
Empty towers deemed unsafe
The blocks—Morrison House, Bevan House and Keir Hardie House—are all currently vacant following the rehousing of tenants. Council reports cited problems including persistent damp and mould, outdated external wall systems and insufficient smoke ventilation. These issues have been referred to the Building Safety Regulator.
Cabinet members signed off the demolition proposal at a meeting on Wednesday. Officers warned that, in their current condition, the structures present ongoing management and safety liabilities, and have become targets for vandalism and fly-tipping.
"It shows our ambition as a council to provide uplifting future family homes and neighbourhoods," said council leader Richard Bingley.
Next steps and community involvement
Although demolition has been approved, councillors have not yet decided what will replace the towers. A further report setting out redevelopment options is due later in the year, and the authority says it will consult residents and stakeholders as proposals are developed. The Housing Service Tenants' Panel has already backed the demolition plan.
Demolition work could start as early as January next year. The council has stipulated that contractors must take measures to reduce nuisance to nearby households, including controls on dust, noise and heavy vehicle movements, and that residents should be kept informed of the programme.
- Blocks to be demolished: Morrison House, Bevan House, Keir Hardie House
- Reason: damp and mould, outdated wall systems, inadequate smoke ventilation
- Status: all blocks empty; tenants rehoused
- Next report: redevelopment options expected later this year
Financial and social considerations
Presenting the demolition recommendation to cabinet, Reform UK councillor Tom Kelly argued the move would relieve the council's Housing Revenue Account of the ongoing expense of securing and maintaining large, empty buildings. He also noted the sites had become hotspots for anti-social behaviour in their vacant state.
Council leader Richard Bingley framed the decision as part of a wider ambition to deliver improved family homes and neighbourhoods, acknowledging shortcomings in some post-war council housing stock in the borough. No firm redevelopment scheme, phasing or funding package has yet been agreed.
| Item | Current position |
|---|---|
| Tenant status | All rehoused; blocks empty |
| Regulatory action | Issues reported to Building Safety Regulator |
| Demolition timing | Could begin January next year |
The council has committed to ensuring the demolition and subsequent construction phases are managed to limit disruption to surrounding communities. A more detailed redevelopment plan is expected to set out potential options and financial implications, and residents will be invited to take part in shaping the future use of the sites.
For local residents and stakeholders, the cabinet decision marks a turning point for the Blackshots estate: the immediate safety concerns will be addressed through demolition, but the long-term vision for the land—whether for new council homes, mixed tenure development or other uses—remains to be determined.
