Wickford housing plan lifts regeneration hope (From Echo)

Wickford housing plan lifts regeneration hope

11:30am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(3)

A HOUSING development, once billed as the catalyst to the £250million regeneration of Wickford, may still go ahead.

Family Mosaic was part of the last consortium of bidders which wanted the town’s masterplan contract from Basildon Council, before the bid broke down due to the current economic climate.

Yet the firm is still pressing ahead with scaled-down proposals to build 30 homes on the former Willow Court sheltered housing scheme, owned by the council, in Market Avenue, Wickford.

Before the masterplan talks were abandoned last month, the development was expected to kick-start the area’s costly regeneration, including a revamp of the nearby swimming pool and a new health centre.

Adam Keating, council spokes-man, said: “We still hope the masterplan will be achieved, although applications will come in on a piecemeal basis now the procurement process has stopped.”

Family Mosaic previously wanted to build 48 flats on the site with underground parking.

The new version includes a three-storey block of 21 two-bed flats and nine three and four-bedroom houses with parking.

Part of the proposed deal is for the developer to pay for local traffic improvements and fund extra school places in the area.

Four residents have objected, claiming three stories is too high and they fear increased parking and traffic congestion.

A report to councillors states: “The proposal will contribute to the regeneration of Wickford town centre by creating homes. It will also contribute to the council achieving its housing targets without having to build on green field sites.”

The development control committee will consider the revised plans next Tuesday.