THE bill for a £300million town centre regeneration plan has risen by £15million before it has started it has been revealed.

A report on the result of a consultation into the Queensway development in the heart of Southend shows plans to retain four lanes of the Queensway underpass has resulted in increased costs.

The council had considered reducing the road from one lane each way but the scheme was dropped after attracting criticism.

The report, which councillors will consider at a special cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said: “This change has resulted in a need to change the engineering solution for the highways works that has resulted in an increase in costs to the scheme of between £12m to £15m.”

The plans include getting rid of Porters roundabout - which currently links both ends of Southchurch Road.

A proposal to reopen the Deeping as a link between Southchurch Road and Victoria Circus was dismissed as unworkable.

Traffic coming off Victoria Avenue to Southchurch Road will be redirected down Chichester Road - which is set to be widened to take the increase in traffic.

The plans involve the demolition of the four town centre tower blocks and more than 441 affordable homes.

None of the new buildings will be more than 12 storeys.

While those taking part in the consultation largely welcomed better homes and community space, the road changes drew criticism.

Gareth Weir of Wimborne Road, Southend said: “ The effect of the proposed scheme on the traffic flow through the area has also not been realistically been accessed and the plan would appears to result in a gridlock at the end of Southchurch Road, Chichester Road and Queensway even with Chichester being two lane.”

Another unnamed respondent said: “By far the worst affect of the plan is upon the isolation of only remaining community hub in the Queensway site namely All Saints Church.

“This is used at the moment on a daily basis with parents in cars dropping off children at a variety of times during the day as well as being utilized for those wishing to attend events at the Church and the hall. Where is a bridal or funeral car going to pull in?

Businesses also raised concerns.

The Stockvale Group, owners of Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure said: “Stockvale believe that despite the commendable aims and objectives that schemes like Queensway bring they can offer a threat to business and therefore it makes decisions around continuing to invest in Southend more challenging. “