SPECIALIST flats designed to boost older people's independence are being proposed in green belt land in Basildon.

Forty flats, along with communal areas such as a lounge, gym, café and cinema, are being proposed in Bowers Gifford by AMS care.

An application for the development, which would be built alongside Gifford House care home, was validated by Basildon Borough Council last month.

According to a design and access statement setting out the plans, the proposed site is currently unused open space which has been "left to nature" and was not intended to provide amenities to current residents in Gifford House.

A section read: "This is to include a range of flat sizes and types designed to maximise independence within a safe environment."

The proposed flats would have between one and two bedrooms, the statement continues. A lounge, café, gym and a multi-purpose room which can be used as a cinema are also being proposed for the future residents to use.

Twenty eight car parking spaces, enough for 70 per cent of the occupants, would be constructed if councillors approve the application.

"Additionally, an indoor storage and charging area for mobility scooters is also part of the plans. Residents would be able to enjoy a west-facing courtyard garden and a south west facing amenity area.

However, the site is in the local green belt, which may prove to be a constraint in a receiving planning permission from the council. According to the statement, Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet Parish Council met over the plans in December last year, and had "positive" discussions including over the development's proposed location.

But questions were raised over access to the site, alternative transport methods, electric car charging, sustainability, affordability, the orientation of the flats and daylight levels.

Gifford House currently provides care and accommodation for frail older people, along with specialist nursing, palliative and dementia care.

The council is expected to make a decision on approval later this year.