Essex Park garage site levelled to make way for flats (From Echo)

Essex Park garage site levelled to make way for flats

11:10am Monday 15th September 2008

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A prominent former garage site has been levelled to make way for 87 new flats.

After many years as a local landmark, the Essex Park Garage, on the busy A132 Golden Jubilee Way, in Wickford, has been demolished.

“Personally, I don’t think the development should have been allowed. I think the inspectorate made a mistake."

Basildon Council leader Malcolm Buckley

In its place will go a controversial housing development by Robert Mulholland and Company.

Its plans for 26 single-bedroomed flats and 61 twin-bedroomed units were turned down by Basildon Council, last November. The firm appealed against the decision and saw the council decision overturned in May.

Last week, demolition crews moved on to the site and tore down the car dealership and workshop buildings, ready for the new development.

The plans attracted criticism from campaigners who fear the town lacks the facilities to support more flats.

David Harrison, vice chairman of the Wickford Action Group, said: “We are concerned about the number of flats being built in Wickford and this garage development is just one part of the problem. It’s outside the masterplan area but it is an important spot on the approach to Wickford.

“The town needs to be regenerated. Flats do play a part of this, but the infrastructure needs to be improved at the same time.”

The council originally turned down the plans, citing concerns over road safety, because the site is right by the busy A132/London Road roundabout.

Malcolm Buckley, leader of Basildon Council and a Wickford Tory councillor, said: “Personally, I don’t think the development should have been allowed. I think the inspectorate made a mistake.

“To get on to the site, you have to come off a dual-carriageway and to exit, you do so almost right on the roundabout, which can be very busy. It’s a road safety issue. This is an unwelcome development of the green margin around Golden Jubilee Way.”

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