Residents have welcomed the news temporary accommodation units where they live are set to be replaced by permanent homes.

Greenfields Community Housing revealed plans to demolish 11 temporary units and 20 houses in Spalding Close, Braintree.

With support from the housing association, tenants from the houses have been moved or are in the process of moving.

However use of the temporary accommodation units will be maintained until a later date.

Kelly Trundle and his family became homeless four months ago.

He said: “It is helpful to have these temporary homes here, but if they weren’t going to be bringing them down then I do not think we would be able to move as quickly.

“I believe it is a good thing moving people into more permanent homes.

“I think replacing them with permanent homes is great news for Braintree generally, but if it wasn’t for these temporary homes we would have had a lot more trouble finding somewhere to go.

“Although it is not what we are used to, the fact we were in here so quickly is good.

“I cannot fault the council or Greenfields at all since we were made homeless.”

Chloe Manning has been housed in one of the homes since August.

She said: “The temporary homes are quite a good idea as somewhere for people who need urgent help.

“As long as there is somewhere else for those people to go who are waiting for permanent homes then replacing them is a good thing.”

Temporary accommodation units are available at alternative sites in the district.

The newly built homes will be offered at affordable rents and for shared ownership once they are built.