BLOOD stocks will soon be stored in Basildon after plans to revamp a former parcel depot got the green light.

Basildon Council has granted an application for NHS Blood and Transplant to take over a warehouse in Swinbourne Road, Basildon, which was previously home to delivery firm DHL. It comes five months after Brentwood Blood Centre closed down, despite more then 1,000 people signing a petition against the move.

People will not be able to donate blood at the new Basildon facility, but stocks will be kept there and distributed to hospitals when required.

Lisa Pearce, planning officer at the council, said: “The use to be undertaken at these premises would enable the continued supply of blood and blood-related products to the surrounding hospitals, therefore maintaining a vital service and providing employment in the locality.

“The site would be used 24/7, incorporating a call-out facility for the delivery of blood products as required by hospitals in the south east.”

A 2.4m-high steel security fence will be built around the site.