RESIDENTS in Basildon have been left divided over a council's proposals for a huge overhaul of a shopping park, with hundreds of homes, a hotel and a 3,500-seat arena.

Basildon Borough Council is planning a complete regeneration of Westgate Shopping Park in Basildon Town Centre, but some residents fear infrastructure issues and are demanding more shops and businesses. 

The council's plans for the shopping park include around 550 new homes, a 100-room hotel, and a huge arena. Aldi has also been given permission to convert two former shop units into a new supermarket at the shopping park. 

Basildon resident Matt Thompson, 39, welcomed the plans, describing the proposals as very good. He added: "I really like Aldi and it will boost the town and bring more people into the town centre. This, in turn, will help other businesses.

"I think a new hotel in the town centre is a good idea too. It is good to see the huge investment and regeneration in our town centre, as the town is looking a bit tired, and it feels like we've been left behind. I think the new homes are in a good location, and new homes and new businesses will all support each other." 

Lorraine Richardson, 62, raised concerns about "overdevelopment." She added: "I don't think the hotel is needed at all, and this is far too many homes. I also don't think the arena is needed or wanted; everyone I talk to says the same. If this number of homes goes ahead, there will be major issues with health services, roads and other existing infrastructure.

"We need and want shops and businesses, but instead we are losing shops and space for shops too."

Last month, despite concerns, the council's planning committee agreed on the first phase of the plans, with 97 extra care homes and the 100-room hotel, with a rooftop bar. This phase includes 79 one-bedroom flats, 18 two-bedroom flats, and 142 cycle parking spaces.

Father-of-two, Dylan Roberts, 55, has mixed feelings about the council's major regeneration plans for the area.

He said: "I think redevelopment and regeneration can be a good thing, but we need more shops and businesses. I agree we need homes, but around 500 is far too many for this one area, and I also think the hotel is far too large.

"I think it will help tidy up and improve the area but we need more businesses and less homes."

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: "Planning permission for this development has already been granted, subject to the signing of a planning obligation agreement – which will ensure the delivery of essential infrastructure, including schools, open spaces, and sports provision, in line with Essex County Council requirements, as well as meeting the needs of the NHS and Basildon Borough Council.

"We understand there may be concerns about the scale of housing and the future arena, which was not subject to this planning application, and we want to reassure residents that these plans have been carefully assessed to support the long-term growth and vitality of Basildon.

"The future development opportunities will be designed to bring a balanced mix of homes, leisure, and community facilities, creating opportunities for businesses and improving the town centre for everyone.

"Currently, the Council has important consultation documents available, giving residents the opportunity to share their views on future development in Basildon Town Centre and across the wider Borough.

"We encourage everyone to participate and have their say. We value all feedback and look forward to hearing from our community about the future of Basildon. You can take part in the consultation here: https://basildonlocalplan25.commonplace.is/"