SIXTY new jobs are set to be created at a huge electric car charging station and “airportstyle lounge” off the A127.

Officers have recommended Basildon councillors approve plans for the development, off Nevendon Road, Wickford, at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

If agreed, it will include 31 car charging points, a café, gym space, children’s play area, office space and an electric vehicle showroom.

Gridserve Sustainable Energy Ltd is behind the plans, after its similar charging station in Braintree has proved a huge success.

Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “This type of proposal in principle is just the sort of thing we need to help more people take up electric vehicles.

“It’s also good for jobs and our economy in Basildon too.

I think we could see up to 60 new jobs created with this plan.

“If more electric vehicles it will help with the problems with the air quality on the A127 and we almost had Government intervention over the issue previously.

“I think, with the emphasis on electric vehicles, that we could see more plans like this coming forward.”

The development would also include 21 customer parking spaces, six staff parking spaces and two motorbike parking bays.

The firm is also behind the Edison Way, Great Notley charging station, which was the first of its kind in Europe.

A planning statement says: “Unlike the traditional petrol filling station, where the average time spent from arrival to departure is approximately six minutes, the estimated time that will be spent at the Gridservice Electric Forecourt is 30 minutes.

“This could increase to two hours, dependant on the charging speed and the level of charge already in the battery of the vehicle on arrival at the site.

“Therefore, the range of facilities provided within the forecourt building needs to be appropriately considered to ensure that the dwell time for the vehicle owners is an enjoyable and relaxing experience.”

Basildon Council’s planning committee is set to agree the plans at a meeting next Wednesday.

Gridserve was contacted by the Echo for comment on the proposals.