DEMOLITION works for a major development with almost 500 new homes in Basildon are set to start in a matter of weeks, after the council agreed on changes to the huge proposals.

Basildon Council agreed on varied plans by Orwell (Basildon) Limited for demolition and redevelopment of the existing building and construction of 492 one and two-bedroom flats at land in Market Square, Basildon. The site is the former Moon on the Square site in the town centre.

At the meeting, on October 2, the council's planning committee was told how initial works for the development are underway at the site, demolition works are due to start in December, building works are then expected to start in spring 2025, and completion of the major development is expected to be in summer 2027, with the first residents moving in around the same time.

Orwell Limited first submitted the plans for 492 new homes back in 2020, then in August 2021, the council, then under the Conservative administration, rejected the plans – but it had previously been agreed by the previous Labour administration. The developer launched an appeal and won planning permission in December 2021.

The latest changes to the plans, which the council agreed include an increase of 25 one-bedroom flats, a decrease of 25 two-bedroom flats, one additional stairwell per block, changes to open hours of commercial units and other alterations. 

Speaking during the meeting, a council officer: "In terms of the programme of works, the applicants are undertaking those concurrently, enabling works including soft strip and initial piling in the courtyard starting in July 2024 and are ongoing, formal commencement, demolition is expected in December 2024 before the expiry of the permission, piling and above ground works are commencing spring 2025, completion, first occupation would be summer 2027. To conclude the proposed amendments would ensure tangible and significant benefits to the area, by bringing forward a modern residential lead mix-used development.

"The changes proposed would ensure fire and building regulations are met and would generally represent a high-quality new development in the centre of Basildon.

As the application site is in one of the early stages of the town centre redevelopment the proposal would help to improve investor and land owner confidence in the town centre as one of the first schemes to come forward in the town centre, helping to accelerate the delivery of important housing, in addition to providing much need housing, the proposal would bring vibrancy to the town centre through flexible commercial, community, non-residential, learning floor space at the ground floor, and wider public realm improvements. This would enhance the setting of this part of the town centre making an important contribution towards the council's housing shortfall, enhance skills and job opportunities, and contribute towards the regeneration of Basildon Town Centre."

At the time of the appeal, the then Tory council leader Andrew Baggott said the cost of the appeal on the council was an estimated £2million. An inquiry was held in the appeal and following several hearings, Secretary of State appointed inspector David Rose concluded in his report that the development would "not have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area, and it would offer good quality living conditions for future occupants."