CAR rental firm Enterprise is set to offer up vehicles for free to residents living in a block of more than 500 flats in Southend, if plans go ahead.

The firm has been drafted in to help with parking issues at the proposed development of the former HMRC office block, Alexander House, in Victoria Avenue.

Under the plans Comer Homes wants to create 557 flats and shops.

But concerns had been raised the development would only have 299 parking spaces.

As a result Comer Homes has enlisted rental care giant, Enterprise, to offer cars which can be used by the homeowners and member of the public. Planning documents reveal users would join Enterprise Car Club and be able to choose from a pool of cars.

But documents reveal as it stands only three car club spaces are to be provided for the development.

Future residents will have be provided with a five-year free car club membership and a £50 drive-time voucher.

The brand says it has been used successfully in other places of the UK.

Daniel Nelson, Conservative Southend councillor for Southchurch ward, said: “I think this, coupled with the excellent transport links, in the area, is good.

“It means the reduction in parking for that will be less of a concern.

“Future residents may be used to a city lifestyle so they may not have a car anyway, and with the car club they can use that.

“But I also think there is more concern around infrastructure, the schools, and GPs.

“That needs to be higher in the pecking order. We need the infrastructure like that to support this. I don’t think that is forthcoming.

“Southend is full to the brim.”

The proposal aims to completely modernise and transform the site opposite Southend Victoria railway station into a “bright new gateway into Southend”.