PLANS for a four-storey development include spaces for a cafe, gym and yoga studio.

Developer SSK UK RE INC is planning on part demolition and refurbishment of a large industrial unit and construction of a four-storey building with 20 new homes and new offices above the retail units.

The plans are for the site at 30 Radford Way, Billericay, where three businesses are already based.

These are PeaPod Cafe, My Gym Billericay and Rok Core yoga studio.

The plans also include 57 car parking spaces, including 21 car parking spaces for the flats, and 36 spaces for the businesses.

The plans state: “The proposals will deliver a significant qualitative uplift in employment-generating floorspace and create new jobs.

“The plans will strengthen the attraction of the Radford Road Business Area and provide much needed modern employment space and the development will enable the continued operation of the retained businesses to ensure the ongoing employment of the existing workforce and to allow community needs to be continually served.

“The development will not give rise to any significant impacts in highways and parking terms.”

Residents have welcomed the plans for the industrial site in the town.

Maureen Cox, 33, of The Avenue, Billericay said: “This seems like a good plan for the site.

“I hope these businesses are not badly affected at all by the works.

“I have visited the cafe a few times and know them.

“The owners are great people who work very hard.

“The only slight concern I have is that it will be very tall and a bit bulky.

“I also am not sure that people will want to live on an industrial estate.”

Basildon Council is set to agree the plans at the meeting tonight, if officer recommendations are approved.

The developer was contacted for further comment.

The three business at the site were also unavailable for comment.