PLANS to rebuild fire ravaged shops in Langdon Hills have been approved.

Basildon Council’s development control and traffic management committee gave the green light for work to start at The Triangle in Langdon Hills this evening.

Five shops were destroyed when a blaze started in Chinese takeaway Hong Kong House in January.

Plans for six shops, five flats and a 25-bay car park were approved.

Stuart Sullivan, Basildon Council cabinet member for resources, said: “I am delighted that plans to rebuild this popular shopping parade have been approved and are continuing to move forward.

“We are providing a development that includes more shops, more parking, and better design and, with homes above, improved security.”

A tender process is underway to find a contractor to carry out the rebuild. Applications must be made by January 15.

Preliminary work clearing the site will begin on Monday.