BASILDON is poised to get two new tower blacks in the town centre – to be built on the site of the former Marks and Spencer store on Town Square.

The controversial towers will bring 495 new homes to the town centre after objections by Basildon Council were overruled at a planning appeal and inquiry.

The decision follows a precedent when another plan for blocks and 492 homes in nearby Market Square were also given the green light on appeal.

In the ruling the planning inspectorate said the Market Square appeal had set a precedent for further tall buildings in the town centre.

The inspector writes wrote: "Today, the town centre has a generally run-down feel evidenced by its fading physical fabric, a plethora of empty retail units and generally underused public spaces. It is agreed that the town centre is in need of regeneration.

"The appeal development would deliver that, bringing about transformative change."

Casildon Council leader Cllr Andrew Baggott says: "We are very disappointed with the decision because it flies against what the public's aspirations are for the town centre.

"It's a big disappointment but we have to be grown up about it and the inspector has made a decision and now we need to work to ensure the result is something that can add value to the town centre."