FOUR blocks of 40 flats could be built in Benfleet on a site previously earmarked for nine homes.

Castle Point Council received a new application for homes on Bread and Cheese Hill, at 408 London Road.

The proposed development site had been part of a larger scheme for nine detached houses and 42 flats, which was approved last February.

But applicant Argent Developers now want to build four blocks containing a total of 40 apartments on the land which had been set aside for the houses.

Planning committee member Norman Smith, who represents Boyce ward, said: “It is a new application compared to what was approved before, as the other section has already been built on.

“As it is a completely different application, we will have to look at it in a new light.

“The application for nine houses was approved before, but the builder has come back with these changes.”

The existing two-storey house, trees and landscaping on the site would have to be removed if the application is approved.

In its application submission, planning agent David Plant Architecture wrote: “The density of the site has been designed to be comparable to the neighbouring property that is currently under construction.”

“To reduce any further congestion on the A13 London Road, the primary access road will be located from Catherine Road.

“It has been proposed that the access be set an appropriate distance within Catherine Road, away from the London Road junction, to reduce any potential accidents caused by the junctions being too close together.”

Echo:

One of the blocks, containing 11 flats, will be allocated as affordable housing, meaning the development would be above the current 25 per cent requirement set by the council.

A decision on the application is likely to be made before the end of the year.