A five-storey block of flats for older people planned for Basildon has been branded 'overbearing and over dominant' by council officers.

Basildon Borough Council officers have recommended the authority's planning committee refuse the proposal for 26 sheltered flats and three commercial office units at a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, 19 July) criticising its potential impact on low-rise neighbouring properties.

A garage providing MOTs and repairs at the site in High Road, Laindon, would be demolished to make way for the building if the application is approved.

According to a council report, the proposal fails to "provide a high-quality, beautiful place" and would appear significantly higher than the low-rise buildings it would be constructed next to.

A section read: "Given its overall mass, height and scale, positioned very close to the frontage of the site, the building would appear as an isolated, overbearing and over dominant structure in this location and as such is considered to be out of character in this locality."

The report also says approval would be "unacceptable" without contributions to the local community in a Section 106 agreement, a tax levied on developers by local councils.

According to a design and access statement by Brian Davison Associates for the proposals, the scheme would provide local job opportunities in addition to housing.

A section read: "This proposal offers the opportunity to improve the visual appearance of this prominent corner site by providing much needed high quality sheltered accommodation for the over fifties age group."

A later section read: "The current motor trade business is to be relocated within the borough so there will be no loss of employment from existing businesses. All employees are happy to relocate.

"Existing retailers will be given the first offer to occupy the new premises on the ground floor. This proposal will provide good employment opportunities such as carers, cleaners, receptionist, maintenance facility team with over 10 job opportunities."

The statement continues to say the scheme would form part of a major regeneration of Laindon.

Despite the proposed flats being sheltered accommodation, the plans would still fall below the council's guidance for a minimum of 30 per cent affordable housing for developments of this scale.

However, according to the report, the applicants are willing to accommodate this in the scheme if a housing association takes over the running of the flats.

If this is not possible, they would provide a contribution for this to be achieved off site, the report says.