Construction begins on council bungalows for over 55s at The Yorkes
News / Tue 5th Aug 2025 at 07:17am
CONSTRUCTION is now underway at The Yorkes, marking another milestone in Harlow Council’s ambitious housebuilding programme to deliver more council homes for local people.
Contractors from The Hill Group have started on site to build 6 new adapted bungalows designed specifically for Harlow residents aged over 55.

The development will include 2 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom homes, each featuring fully accessible kitchens and bathrooms to support independent living. Located on a previously vacant housing site in Tye Green Village, the scheme will also benefit from new landscaping, dedicated parking, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points.
All homes will be allocated to Harlow residents on Harlow’s Housing Needs Register.

The Yorkes is one of several council housebuilding sites now active across the town. Construction is also progressing at Sherards House, Elm Hatch and Arkwrights, alongside more advanced developments at Staple Tye and Woodleys. Work is also set to get underway at the Pytt Field and Potter Street sites soon. This first phase of the council’s housebuilding programme will deliver more homes for Harlow families than in the last three decades combined. The programme isn’t just building houses and apartments; it is also building bungalows to meet different housing needs.
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“We’re not just making promises to Build Harlow’s Future – we’re delivering. The start of construction at The Yorkes is another clear sign that our housebuilding programme is moving forward at pace.
“These new bungalows will provide high-quality, accessible homes for older residents, helping them live independently and comfortably. And we’re only getting started. With more sites becoming active, we’re building the homes Harlow needs and deserves – investing in our town and its future.”
This site ticks all the boxes when looking for sites to build such homes on. Flat, near shops, near doctors and dentists surgery and bus stops. It is such a shame that the council are not building more such homes so that existing tenants can downsize their homes. The best thing about this development is that some two bedroomed homes are being built, possibly the first to be built in the town for over 50 years.
Indeed it is a very good site for homes for the elderly. The first lot there many years ago had to be pulled down due to severe subsidence! Hopefully lessons have been learned and these will not be problematic. I am sure people in TGV are very pleased about this development. We look forward to seeing people living there.
I hope room dimensions and door openings will be generous so life with a wheelchair does not mean smashed knees and knuckles all the time. And Bathroom big enough for a sidedoor bathtub specifically for a disabled person... we can hope and pray I guess
Yes please I can no longer make the stairs Trapped in my 1 bedroom. Flst Looking for somewhere to feel safe
Chrissy, why don't you speak to your councillors about your ideas, I am sure there is plenty of time to incorporate changes. Personally, I don't get the enthusiasm for bungalows, surely you could get more homes on the same site if they were 2 storey, just include stair lift or elevator plus who wants to leave a bedroom window open at night on the ground floor. I have to agree it is a good site
Chrissy, these homes will I am sure include the things you have mentioned because they are described as providing homes for independent living. Peter, a nationwide survey a couple of years ago showed that the type of home most wanted was a bungalow, indeed it was estimated that 4 million housholds would like to move into one. I do agree however with your feelings about security and living on one level.
I've just moved in to a bungalow with a wet room, struggling with stairs and bath after an accident, the council have been great, well done Harlow Council.
This is all I've ever wanted is a new built bungalow where abouts isbthis place they're building?
Yet more good news from our Conservative run council. I hope residents remember this at next May's local elections and ensure the Labour luvvies stay out of power.
We have a 3 bed house for just the two of us. We joined the bidding and gave up after 2 years. We are both struggling on stairs . I'm 76 my wife is younger than me but she also has problems. All we want is a two bed bungalow. Our is well decorated a lovely garden . We thought it would easy to offer our house but have realised it's not. I'm sure there are shortages of 3 bed property's. So Harlow Council, we have a 3bed house. All we want is a 2 bed bungalow.
Same as the last persons comment we also have a three bed house with a large garden and we would love a two bedroom bungalow, my husband is 78 and disabled and struggles with the stairs and garden ,thought it would be easy! I'm sure there are plenty of families who would love a three bedroom home, shame .
Is there a plan of the inside of the bungalows?
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