AN application for 492 one and two-bed apartments has been approved by Basildon Council's planning committee, as part of the town centre regeneration programme.

Last night (Wednesday 24 February) The committee approved the application by Orwell (Basildon) Limited for the development of the site between Market Square and Town Square in Basildon town centre which will involve the demolition of an existing residential block.

The new homes will be 'Build-to-Rent' for private rental rather than sold on the open market, with residents having access to communal roof gardens and communal work-spaces.

The development includes retail/commercial space on the ground and part of the first floors with parking behind.

Infrastructure to accompany the building of the new homes includes a new health centre catering for 15,000 patients, up to £3 million to be invested in schools and new sixth form colleges, £9.7million funding to improve parking and support housing development, as well as 350 new trees.

Leader of Basildon Council Cllr Gavin Callaghan said: "This development along with a number of other proposals coming forward represents an exciting opportunity to help kick-start the regeneration of the area by encouraging more people to live and work within it.

"Such investments will help revitalise the fortunes of our town centre and Basildon will bounce back to its rightful place as the capital of South Essex, delivering new growth and jobs, and build wider public and business confidence in the area." A new digital campus is already complete, and the new Empire cinema and restaurant scheme is on track to open by the end of the year, with much more to come.

Chairman of the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee Cllr Jack Ferguson added: "It's good to see this development progressing for the town centre. It will bring financial contributions of £3 million for infrastructure like education, healthcare, sustainable transport and improved open spaces. This is vital to the success of the regeneration of our town centre."

The council says the regeneration of the town centre will see the creation of 5,000 new jobs, a new multi-use arena, outdoor entertainment, more cultural spaces and activity, along with more restaurants, shops and a proud mix of independent retailers.

And it adds: "A new Youth Zone will provide more opportunities for every eight to 19-year-old and 500 new council houses will put Basildon residents first. A new improved bus and train station will make it easier to get around, along with improvements to 20 miles of cycling and pedestrian routes. In short, the town centre will once again become the beating heart of Essex."

The full report put before councillors last night can be viewed here.