A DATE has been set to decide the fate of “monster” tower blocks that would “put parts of the town in darkness”.

A Government planning inspector will now decide on the plans for the 23 storey blocks of 495 flats in Town Square, after they were turned down at a council meeting in October.

Councillors fear the plans for the M&S site would be too high, as it would be six stories taller than Brooke House.

The hearing will be held online at 10am on Tuesday January 11 and will resume at 9.30am on the following days.

The plans include one and two bedroom flats, alongside a new cafe.

Developers Basildon Estates have lodged an appeal against Basildon Council’s proposed decision due to “non-determination”.

Craig Rimmer, Tory councillor, said the new administration is prepared to try and fight the plans and stop them going through.

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He said: “We are prepared to fight this and back the planning committee decision on this. It was partly refused due to design of the buildings.

“We are not too happy about the design or the height of the buildings and it’s clear part of the town would be in darkness or at least overcast if this went ahead.

“When people were talking about monster sized tower blocks this is what they are referring to.

“The blocks would be six stories higher than Brooke House and there was no respect for the town or its history.

“We will try and stop this.”

The planning inspectorate is due to consider a number of factors including the effect of the appeal on the special architectural or historic interest of Brooke House, a grade II listed building and designated heritage asset, with regard to its setting.

The submission of an appeal follows developers Orwell are also appealing the council’s decision to reject plans for 492 flats on Market Square.

Basildon Tories have rejected several proposals for tower blocks, but approved plans for hundreds of flats in 11-storey buildings at the Great Oaks site in the town.