A THREE-STOREY block of luxury flats is set to spark the next stage of a retirement village overhaul.

Bosses at Kings Park Village, off Creek Road, Canvey, want to flatten the existing office and replace it with a brand new block of 14 state-of-the-art apartments.

The ground floor has been earmarked as a replacement office, with eight one-bedroom and six two-bedrooms homes split across the two floors above.

The 70 acre park, made up of 1,000 residents, is currently made up of single-storey pre fabricated homes.

The latest plans comes after a whirlwind year for retirement village, which is home to over fifties. It unveiled a new building which houses a cafe, bar and restaurant, as well as an indoor swimming pool.

Sheila Spooner, 69, of Kings Park, welcomed the overhaul - but urged bosses not to destroy the character of the site.

She said: “I think it’s good as some people might want different things.

“There are those who want some outside space. With the flats you wouldn’t have any, but it’s handy to get in and out of the park.

“I think it’s a good idea, but I hope they don’t add too many flats in the future, because it might spoil things.

“People do like mixing with each other, and the flats are a bit out of the way.”

In its planning application, Kings Park pointed to its “ever growing popularity” as reasons behind the expansion proposals.

A spokesman said: “With the park’s style of living ever growing in popularity among the older generation, the site is currently home to approximately 1,300 people in single or twin occupancy.

“Over the past 30 years, the quality of the village and the homes available have been continually improved.

“This development of apartments represents a continuation of this trend.

“Kings Park is a residential retirement village which fulfils the need for secure accommodation for the older generation.

“The proposed development allows the site to offer another form of accommodation for those that wish to live in a traditionally built home, yet benefit from the services and facilities of the community.

“This form of housing has been provided in other locations across the county and become progressively favoured.”

A final decision on the plans will be made by Castle Point Council’s planning committee by April.

Residents are invited to submit their views on the plans at castlepoint.gov.uk