PLANS to demolish a former care home for flats is a “positive solution”, according to councillors.

The application to demolish the former Rushcliffe care home, on Goldington Crescent in Billericay, which closed in 2014, and construct 30 shared ownership flats in it’s place, has been recommended for approval ahead of a Basildon Council meeting next week.

The application also includes plans to “refurbish the adjacent sheltered housing units” at Queens Park Court.

Councillor Andrew Hedley said: “Affordable housing is always a good thing.

“Nobody wants a derelict building.

“This seems like a positive solution.

“I know people who live at Queens Court.

“They’ve been needing refurbishment for a while.

“It was built around 25 years ago, refurbishment is necessary.”

Councillor Phil Turner added: “It will be an interesting discussion next week.

“I’m really open minded about it.

“It looks like a good development and a positive one.

“But devil is in the detail, amendments may be necessary.

“Naturally it needs to meet the guidelines and regulation.

“Residents concerns will be heard.

“They are understandably concerned about the plans encroaching over their properties.

“We’ve had developments in the town before that have encroached too far.”

Both Mr Hedley and Mr Turner are pleased that money is “finally” being spent on Billericay.

Councillor Hedley said: “Any investment in the town is welcome.

“It’s been long overdue.

“There’s an assumption that Billericay is self-functioning.”

Councillor Turner, added: “Billericay doesn’t get it’s fair share of the funding.

“The administration have turned the funding off.

“They do not favour Billericay.”

PRP, the designers of the new flats, have been contacted for a comment but did not respond to the request.