Planning approval has been granted for the development of 16 new homes at Saffron Walden Almshouses.
Uttlesford District Council's planning committee approved the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, October 16.
Gary Hyams, chair of trustees at Saffron Walden Almshouses, said: "This is a significant milestone in our Project Crocus plans to provide the people of Saffron Walden with new affordable housing.
"I’d like to thank my fellow volunteer trustees, who have contributed a huge amount of time, effort, and expertise to produce a sensitively-designed yet modern scheme.
"This decision is the first step towards replacing the seven uninhabitable Primes Close bungalows, and increasing the number of almshouses that we offer.
"Almshouses are the UK’s oldest form of community housing. Saffron Walden Almshouses currently provide 40 homes for local people on low incomes who would not be able to afford to rent privately.
"The 16 new homes, which will be situated behind the main almshouses on Abbey Lane, in the heart of the town, will be affordable, highly sustainable, fully accessible, and energy efficient.
"Planning of the exploratory work required ahead of the main construction has already started so that we can open the new homes to residents as soon as possible."
Saffron Walden Almshouses are now seeking an experienced fundraiser to join their team to help them deliver Project Crocus.
John Kerr, chair of Saffron Walden Almshouses fundraising committee, said: "If you have a proven track record of securing large-scale funding in a charity environment and think this role is for you, full details can be found on our website, https://www.swalmshouses.org/recruitment.
"The closing date for applications is Friday, November 1, 2024."
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The Saffron Walden Almshouses - also known as King Edward VI Almshouses - were originally established in the town by the Guild of Our Lady of Pity in 1400, by charter of Henry VI.
By act of Edward VI the almshouses were devolved to the king, but he agreed to return them to the town in his own name.
The main almshouse building seen today in Abbey Lane was built in 1840, with later wings funded by members of the Quaker Gibson family.
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