A housing development providing support for the people living there is up for an award.

Tolpuddle House in Ongar High Street, which provides a home and training in skills such as cooking and running a household to over-18s who need it, has been shortlisted for a UK Housing Award for best small development.

The development is managed by East Thames housing association and is part of the nearby Zinc Arts Centre and people living there can use its facilities, which include studios and computers.

Heather Stradling, the art centre’s director, said: “East Thames and Zinc’s partnership working has enabled Tolpuddle House to have a profound impact upon the lives of vulnerable residents who have used the scheme as an opportunity to develop skills which will allow them to progress onto independent living.

“We’re so pleased the scheme has been nominated for this award.”