DEVELOPERS are preparing to move forward with plans for a half-abandoned development as they get ready to meet with “despairing” residents.

Construction stalled in 2022 on the plan for 224 homes in place of the former Laindon Shopping Centre as the proposal was “reviewed” after Sanctuary Housing took over from former developer Swan.

A community engagement event was held in July where 500 people heard about the different options.

Now they will host a new round of meetings with residents to put the latest plans to them.

A release from Sanctuary said: “The proposed regeneration will deliver new, high-quality affordable housing, local shops including a larger Lidl supermarket and units for local retailers, and an option for an improved medical centre, as well as managed parking and a fitting setting for the war memorial and historic Laindon fountain.”

However, some residents remain concerned about the state the site has been left in.

Laindon Resident Victor York said: “I am beginning to despair about it, how are developers committed to Laindon transformation when they keep stalling, it’s been two and a half years and I think they underestimated.

“They claimed they had declarations of interest from 50 companies, we have no idea who or what will go into those two units, 15 shops do not regenerate a high road,” Mr York said.

Mr York added that he is disappointed, following Sanctuary’s consultation in July, that the developer has shown “no commitment” to the site and has left residents with silence.

“It’s just words, there is no real commitment to growth, I have no idea what they are doing really,” Mr York said, adding that he believed options presented in July to tear the abandoned site down site were just as bad as leaving it to fester.

Sanctuary claim they are committed to the Laindon project, however.

Sarah Brind, Sanctuary’s head of development South, said: “We know how important this project is for the area and the wider borough of Basildon, and we’re progressing it as quickly as we can to deliver a vibrant new town centre for Laindon.

“We’re really looking forward to meeting the local community again to share our proposals for the site and listen to their views.”

Sanctuary Housing is hosting two special events on Wednesday December 6, between 1.30pm and 4pm at the Laindon Community Centre and from 7pm and 9pm at Paddocks Community Hall.