Pictures of what Beechwood Village in Essex will look like have been unveiled by developers, who are regenerating the area formerly known as Craylands Estate.

The £250 million project will require the involvement of those with social housing jobs, as part of the development will be dedicated to such homes.

Speaking to the Essex Echo, leader of Basildon Council Tony Ball pointed out that residents in the area will manage their own community hall - a move which he described as a positive step.

He said: "This development is all about improving the lives of people who live here and for the future, and providing them with quality housing."

The Beechwood Village initiative is due to take ten years, with just 201 of a projected 1,200 residences so far completed. There is set to be a variety of options available to prospective tenants in future, ranging from one-bedroom flats and maisonettes to family homes.

Aside from the houses, a series of shops, tree-lined streets and a hall are among the features included in the latest design prints.

At the other end of the country, the Lancashire Evening Post revealed how politicians in Preston are due to meet to discuss how to raise more money to provide social housing in the area.

According to the publication, the plan is to set up a joint development fund with the Community Gateway Association.