A HUGE 11-storey development with hundreds of homes is set to get the green light after developers scaled back earlier plans.

The existing buildings at the Great Oaks Retail Park in Basildon Town Centre will now be demolished for the 245 homes in ambitious plans for the town centre.

Developers GS8 Basildon Limited changed the early plans from a 14-storey building and 300 homes to its current blueprint following concerns raised by council officials over the size of the skyscraper.

Basildon Tories have scrapped plans under the previous administration to build high rise tower blocks in the town centre, but bosses insist the plan is in line with results from a public consultation.

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Leader of Basildon Council, Andrew Baggott, said: “The maximum residents want to see is 12 storeys.

“Positive discussions were had with the developers, and the fact they’ve come back is a really positive move.

“It sends a really clear message to other developers.

“If they’re willing to work with us and with what residents want, then we’re more than happy to talk to them.”

The plans outline proposals for 45 residential car parking spaces and 394 cycle parking spaces.

The homes will be split into 195 one bedroom and 50 two-bedroom flats.

It’s hoped the development would generate up to £3.4 million per year spending from new residents in the town centre.

Around 220 jobs would be created during construction, and 25 post-construction.

Historian Vin Harrop, from Billericay, who previously lambasted plans, added: “I still think it’s too high.

“I realise there is a real need for homes, but terraced housing needs to be looked at.”

The building will feature a roof garden, exclusive for residents.

The report, compiled by Christine Lyons, head of planning at the council, will be presented next week. It reads: “There have been on-going design changes with the scheme since submission, reductions in height to the elevations fronting Broadmayne, Southernhay and Linkway respectively.”