Joyce Backham questions the cost of the Basildon town centre masterplan and moving from the Basildon Centre, (Huge Cost of Master Plan, December 14).

Let me reassure her and other residents this agreement with Barratt Homes/Wilson Bowden is excellent for the community and will see the town centre transformed with new homes, shops, offices, job opportunities and leisure activities.

All involved in bringing the project to fruition should be congratulated as the recession has killed off numerous similar schemes across the country.

The contract signing amid this background shows what confidence there is in Basildon to invest, and what a great project it is.

The council set out to sign up a developer to prepare a masterplan for the town centre. This investment ensures there is an opportunity for the public to have its say in its preparation, with the reassurance that once finalised, any new development will need to accord with the master plan policies and principles.

Without such a plan, there would be the risk of less control, greater uncertainty and less public scrutiny, contrary to the principles of localism.

We have also stated many times that the council only intends to move into a new civic centre when there is an operational need to do so and when it can be done at no net cost to the council and its taxpayers.

The modernisation of the Basildon Centre since the original plans were produced by the council has meant that it is now an excellent civic facility for both residents, and employees of the council.

This work has meant there is less of a need or desire to move out of the Basildon Centre as a priority.

It also enabled the council to centralise its staff and save significant money by moving out of Church Walk House.

As Mrs Backham rightly says, moving out now would not make sense, and that is why in the initial master plan proposals it is not proposed until at least 2019-2028, and will only happen if the market conditions are right.

The masterplan is at a very early stage, so feedback such as that from Mrs Backham is very useful and appreciated. I would urge other residents to visit www.basildontowncentre.co.uk to have their say.

Councillor Tony Ball
Leader of Basildon Council