A HELIPAD could be moved closer to Basildon Hospital to make way for a controversial housing development.

Air ambulances currently land at South Essex College, off Nethermayne, at an average of once a month.

The location has previously been criticised, with patients facing a five-minute ambulance ride to hospital.

Plans have now been drawn up to create a new helipad at Basildon Golf Course, in Clay Hill Lane, after an agreement was struck with bosses.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, said: “It is an interesting one.

“There have been discussions about a number of locations.

“The most important thing is that the level of service continues if it moves to Basildon Golf Course.

“The excellent service of the air ambulances must be maintained.

“With the development at Nethermayne I suppose there will be some displacement of the helipad there.

“If the proposed merger of the A&E services takes place then it is even more important that this maintains or improved the services.”

In 2014, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances highlighted the need for a helipad to be set out inside the hospital grounds - claiming that its current location is putting lives at risk. They argued it was needed due to the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, based in the hospital grounds, treating seriously ill patients from across the region.

This number of people using the hospital could increase if the proposed merger between Southend, Basildon and Broomfield hospitals goes ahead - with Basildon set to become a major trauma centre. The remaining two A&E departments will be downgraded.

Basildon Hospital has been looking for a new site for its informal helipad since the 725-home Dry Street estate was approved in 2013. Work is currently underway.

The development, also including a primary school and shops, will replace the college, which is moving to the former Basildon Market site.

A planning application has been submitted by Simon Myles, from Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for a helipad on land owned by Basildon Golf Course.

The land is described as being vacant and spare as it is not currently in use by the golf club.

The proposed site is almost directly opposite the hospital - meaning there would be a much shorter transfer time.

The Echo contacted Basildon Golf Course, owned by Colin Jenkins, but nobody was available to comment on the application.

Basildon Hospital did not respond before the Echo went to print.

Basildon Council is expected to make a decision on the application by Monday, July 10.