CONTROVERSIAL plans for 131 new homes near Waitrose in Southend are set to win approval, despite an avalanche of 1,000 objections from people opposed to the scheme.

The new development is planned for a 15-acre plot at the back of the supermarket and near to B&Q.

The site neighbours land earmarked for the new Southend United football stadium and hundreds more homes.

The land for 131 homes was formerly owned by the NHS, but cash-strapped Southend Hospital gave up on its plans to use the land for a diagnostic and treatment centre back in 2014.

The land was sold to Homes England – a Government department - and was initially earmarked for more than 400 homes.

The latest outline plans, submitted by Homes England, include a mix of 60 two-bedroom flats in blocks that are up to four-storeys high.

In addition, there would be a mix of three and four-bedroom houses.

While 40 of the homes must be classed as affordable housing, it is feared many of the homes will cost in excess of £300,000.

Campaigners have previously urged Homes England to build affordable homes on the site to quench the need for social housing across Southend.

Trevor Harp, Southend Independent councillor for St Luke’s ward, said: “My view is that, since it was taken over by Homes England, we should have as many affordable homes there as we can.

“I would love to see it used for housing for essential workers.

“It would be an ideal opportunity to provide good housing for NHS workers and to attract more into the area because Southend struggles for staff.

“I’m relieved there will some affordable housing but I hope it will be truly affordable homes.

“My guess is that the three and four-bedroom homes will be quite expensive as they are right on the border with Rochford and currently overlook open green fields.”

The proposed development is near Prittlewell Camp, a scheduled monument.

Heritage campaigners Historic England has raised concerns about the Prittlewell Camp, which consists of buried archaeological remains of a late Bronze Age and early Iron Age hill fort.

It is a designated as a heritage asset and protected by law. Part of the camp sits within the boundary of the development.

A report to planning officers said the development would encroach on the camp, but Historic England concluded the development would be acceptable if a planned programme of conservation work on the camp could be carried out via a legal agreement with Homes England.

If the plans get the green light, a further Section 106 financial contribution of £368,290 would also be required towards secondary education at Chase High School or another secondary school within acceptable travel distance.

The development control committee will consider the application on Wednesday. Officers have recommended approval of the plans.