PLANS to transform a former garage into a doctor’s surgery and 24 homes has been approved.

Basildon Council granted outline plans to build a surgery, block of 24 homes and non-residential building, at the former Essex Park Garage, off the A132 Golden Jubilee Way, Wickford.

In January, the application’s hearing was adjourned amid concerns the non-residential site could be used for anything, including a mosque.

But developer Robert Mulholland has now agreed the site will not be used as a place of worship, and will be limited to uses such as a health centre, nursery or educational building.

Stephen Hillier, chair of the council’s development control committee, said full details will need to come before councillors before the final stamp of approval is given.

Mr Hillier said: “The highways authority had made no objections to the site’s access and there was little we could say that was wrong with the application.

“It was an outline planning application, so the full details will come back to us.”

Once completed, the site will be the new home of the London Road doctor’s surgery in Wickford.

Alan Ball, chairman of the Wickford Action Group, said he was pleased by the decision as the town desperately needed infrastructure.

Mr Ball said: “Wickford will get some better facilities at last.

“I always believed the threat of a mosque was just scaremongering, this was just a six-week delay.

“Hopefully the full application will come forward soon.”