A £30MILLION scheme to regenerate Pitsea town centre has been recommended for approval.

The proposals include knocking down Aldi supermarket to make way for an 8,245 sq m Morrisons superstore and creating up to five new shops or restaurants.

Pitsea swimming pool and the Railway Hotel would be demolished, Pitsea market relocated and existing buildings in Northlands Pavement given a facelift.

Basildon Council's planning officers have now recommended the plans, which could create up to 400 jobs, for approval. Gerry Levelle, Basildon Council’s head of environment and community services, said in his report: “Although the scheme involves the loss of the Railway Hotel and swimming pool, the mitigation provided and wider benefits outweigh the adverse impacts.”

Campaigners fighting to save the pool say backing for the demolition is a blow.

They submitted a 1,600-signature petition calling for the pool to be spared in February.

The petition is being treated as part of the council’s petitions scheme, rather than part of the planning application, and isn’t scheduled to be discussed by the authority until June 13.

Petition organiser Malcolm Chapman, 43, of Burns Avenue, Pitsea, said: “I’m disappointed the council has recommended demolishing the pool, especially as our petition won’t be heard for another two months, by which time it might be too late.”

Independent national sports company, Sport England, reviewed whether the pool should be retained and concluded the borough had adequate swimming provision without it, due to opening of the £38million Sporting Village a year ago.

The new Morrisons is expected to boost custom for other traders by bringing about 15,400 new shoppers into the area each week.

Pitsea Market would be moved to the Railway Hotel site and decreased from 150 to 100 stalls. Unhappy traders have voiced their opposition.

Developer London and Cambridge Properties, which already owns most of the town centre, has submitted the plans and is funding the project. Councillors will decide whether or not to agree with the officers on April 17.