CONSERVATIVES on Basildon Council have voted against a development plan which would see nearly 3,000 new homes in Basildon Town Centre.

At a planning committee last night, Conservatives on the committee voted against the Eastgate Centre development plan of 2,800 new homes and retail space.

Some councillors and residents are against the plans at the Eastgate Centre amid fears it will lead to overdevelopment.

READ MORE >> Fears building 2,800 flats will create ‘town within a town’

Previous fears by councillors were also that it would “create a town within a town”.

Permission was granted under Basildon’s previous Labour-led administration in April 2021, but developers went to appeal on the grounds of non-determination after planning agreements were not signed.

Under plans, Asda in the shopping centre would be downgraded and thousands of homes built alongside new retail and commercial spaces.

The decision comes after massive plans for 493 homes in 23-storey blocks in Basildon town centre were agreed at appeal by the Government.

If the Eastgate Plans were completed, it would be the one of the biggest changes to the town centre since the shopping centre was constructed 40 years ago.

Following the decision last night, an appeal by the developer will be heard in August.

A planning inspector will then make the final call on whether or not the plans can go ahead.