Work to start on new flats on small plot of land in Basildon town centre

Sophie England

27 June 2024 at 11:00 pm·2-min read

Plans - small plot of land off Southernhay, in Basildon <i>(Image: Google Maps)</i> — Plans - small plot of land off Southernhay, in Basildon *(Image: Google Maps)*

WORK on a block of flats on a small plot of grass near Basildon’s former Toys R Us looks set to begin.

Plans by Foxtone Estates were approved back in May 2023 to build a part three and part four-storey block of nine flats, as well as a shop on the ground floor.

The site is a small plot of land off Southernhay on the edge of the town centre.

A year after plans were approved, the developer has submitted an application for approval of a construction management plan revealing works are “set to start as soon as possible”.

Initial plans for 15 flats on the site were thrown out by Basildon Council before the scaled-back bid was given the green light.

It comes as a series of homes projects are set to begin in Basildon town centre, including a 495-home tower block on the old M&S, in Basildon town centre, and 500 flats on the site of the former Moon on the Square Wetherspoon pub.

Gavin Callaghan, Labour councillor and leader of Basildon Council, admitted his administration - which took control in May - would have opposed the plans, but hopes they will “help local people” get homes.

He said: “The previous Conservative administration passed plans for over 1,500 flats in Basildon town centre and lost millions of pounds of taxpayers’ cash in appeals.

“In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need flats here, but we have to accept the damage the Tories did.

“Lets just hope the homes are built quickly and we can get local Basildon people into them.”

Each of the nine flats will be fitted with a balcony to provide outside space for new residents, however, there are no parking facilities within the approved plan.

Cycle parking is proposed, which the applicant states will promote sustainable transport methods.

Within the latest applications, it was revealed that works are to start as soon as possible.

It states: “It is intended for works to start on site as soon as possible.

“Initially, site security, site boundaries and safe pedestrian routes will be installed to ensure the site is made secure before any demolition works take place, and the build will then follow on from this.”

A number of other reserved matter applications have also been submitted ahead of works getting underway.

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