More than 50 flats could soon be on their way to Leigh as developers set their sights on London Road.

Emex International have applied for outline planning permission to demolish a former Volvo garage on the corner of Darlinghust Grove, and replace it with a building up to four storeys high, featuring 38 flats, in a proposal previously turned down.

And Horton Homes Ltd has applied to demolish a former print supplies building at 1043 London Road, and replace it with a modern block of 18 apartments.

But concerns have been raised about the lack of family homes coming into Leigh, as well as the height of the proposed blocks.

James Courtenay, Tory councillor for Blenheim Park, said: “I think anything over three stories would be out of keeping with the area and I think I would object to a building four storeys in height.

“It’s a shame we don’t see big houses being built on London Road for families, but if you look at flats they sell like hotcakes.

“Investment into the town is good, but flats are getting higher and higher and if one gets approval developers will all look to get higher and you’re left with overpowering buildings.”

Emex, who had similar scheme refused in 2014 over concerns over the size of the building, say they have “overcome all previous reasons for refusal”.

They will demolish the former Volvo garage, which also houses Evolve Gym, who will have to move out, and build a block of up to four storeys in part in place of it, with underground parking.

It will also feature a commercial unit on the bottom floor.

And further on down the road, Benfleet based Horton Homes Ltd want to demolish a former print supply firm on the corner of Recreation Avenue, and replace with a three storey block of 18 flats, including homes on the top floor stepped back from the corners of the building.

Looking to appeal to young professionals, they will range from one to three bed properties, has 18 under croft parking spaces, and a commercial unit.

David Plant Architects, who designed the block, said: “The proposed mixed use development has been designed to make optimum use of this brownfield site and would therefore contribute towards delivering much needed housing in a sustainable location, without causing major visual impact upon neighbouring properties.”

Planners at Southend Council will be expected to rule over the applications within eight weeks.

Leigh hotbed for flats developments

Echo:

Eden Point

 

Despite being relatively built up, Leigh has seen its fair share of developers looking to create blocks of swanky apartments in recent years.

The looming eight storey Eden Point, in Broadway West, was completed last year with the majority of its 30 penthouses being sold before the development was constructed, with some going for over £1million.

And over the other side of the Broadway, 14-apartment Grandview was completed this May, done by Southend-based firm Randall Watts.

And the former Bell Hotel, in Leigh Hill, in old Leigh, is being redeveloped into plush seafront apartments by Robin Levy and son Ben.

But away from the luxury, Estuary Housing also opened a £2.5million block of social homes last year in London Road.