Three blocks of flats at a former college site could pave the way for the first phase of the Roots Hall re-development.

The 92 flats on the old Prospects College site, in Fairfax Drive, Southend, were approved in principle by Southend Council yesterday – but the decision could still be decided by a planning inspector.

Councillors backed the scheme after being told developer Weston Homes had referred to an inspector for appeal after Southend Council failed to process it in time.

The three blocks of flats include 41 one-bed, 47 two-bed and four three-bed flats with parking for 92 vehicles.

Despite the council’s delay in processing the scheme, councillors overwhelmingly praised its design.

Conservative councillor David Garston, for Prittlewell Ward, said: “I would have been proposing acceptance if we had been determining. We know there is a need for affordable housing.”

Conservative Councillor and meeting chair, Floyd Waterworth, for Blenheim Park Ward, said: “I love the lack of frontage parking. I love the trees and the view of the church.”

Developer Weston Homes described the two, three, four and five storey development as having potential to link to the wider proposed redevelopment of the Roots Hall site. 

Hundreds of homes are set to be built at Roots Hall when Southend United moves to its planned new stadium at Fossetts Farm, in Eastern Avenue, Southend.

Only one councillor raised objection to the proposal, but he was not allowed to speak as he had spoken out before the meeting.

Independent councillor Tino Callaghan, for Prittlewell ward, said before the meeting: “There’s not enough room for three blocks of flats there. This is just overdevelopment.”

Weston Homes submitted the application on July 2017. Council papers state that Weston Homes has sent the application to an inspector for appeal amid claims Southend Council failed to process it in time.

Southend planning officials recommended the scheme for approval. Councillors approved it in principle, subject to provision for disabled people on the ground floor and road safety improvements.