Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, attended the Oxlow Lane development topping out ceremony, alongside Jared Birch, Deputy Construction Director from BeFirst and Mulalley Construction Director (New Build Division) George Legg.

The development of 63 affordable homes in Dagenham will be heated by an air source heat pump meaning they will be gas free.

Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s great to see these new affordable homes for local people take shape. And as we face a cost-of-living crisis, because they will be gas free tenants’ energy bills will be more stable and withstand the volatility of gas prices which we’re seeing now.”

Jared Birch, Deputy Construction Director at Be First, said: “Despite the massive increase to commodity prices in the construction sector, Be First is continuing to deliver affordable homes for the people of Barking and Dagenham. This is because of excellent forward planning and outstanding co-operation by contractors such as Mulalley.”

George Legg, Mulalley Construction Director New Build Division said: “Mulalley is proud to have worked in partnership with Be First to help them deliver the Oxlow Lane scheme and create these high quality and much needed new affordable homes to support the local community.”

The development is expected to complete by December 2023.