A LANDMARK Basildon town centre tower block could have 150 flats built on its roof, after ambitious plans were put forward.

Developer and property management firm Criterion Capital is behind the proposals for a threestorey rooftop extension for Trafford House - Ford’s former UK headquarters, in Cherrydown East.

The plans include a four-storey extension at the front of the building to create 151 flats while a separate, standalone three-storey property would also be built to be used as a house of multiple occupation.

If agreed, the plans would also see a communal roof top garden built as well as the loss of 83 parking spaces on the site.

The plans have been met with some concern from community leaders and residents.

Kerry Smith, Independent deputy leader of Basildon Council, said: “Due to permitted development rights for automatic grant of planning permission, and other planning factors, it will be difficult for the council to stop this plan going ahead as the developer would win at appeal.

"The developer must put money into the nearby Kingswood School and help with issues of residents who live at the site parking in nearby side roads.

“This is a reason why we need a town centre masterplan, which the council is working on so we can cap the number of flats in the town centre and stop developers stacking and packing flats.”

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Trafford House was the former Ford Motor Company UK headquarters for 32 years.

The site ceased operations in 2005, but some staff remained until December 2009.

Plans were originally granted permission by the council in 2011 for 359 flats and ten storeys of retail space, but the development fell through.

Then in 2014, plans were agreed for 375 homes at the site.

A spokesperson from Criterion Capital said: “Trafford House is in a sustainable location adjacent to Basildon Train Station and within walking distance of Basildon Hospital. The site provides a prime location for additional housing to accommodate the needs of local residents and key workers.”