Latest development plans revealed for Sutton Road in Southend

Dove Jeffery Homes Planning Services is behind the plans for the former Yesteryear Classics car showroom in Sutton Road, Southend.

The planning application reveals proposals for two, threestorey blocks of 33 flats at 425 to 427 Sutton Road.

Sutton Road has seen a vast increase in flats’ developments in the past five years.

Southend Council bosses say the plans and works will improve the area and have a positive impact.

Ian Gilbert, Labour leader of Southend Council, said: “There have been quite a number of blocks being built in this area and they have made a positive impact.

“They are modern and well built and it’s better to have new homes than under used sites and buildings. We do need more good homes for people.

“These developments are increasing the number of homes for our residents but we do need to make sure it’s the right kind of development for the area.”

Some of the other plans include the 17 homes for the former biscuit factory and bakery, which has now been empty for more than 20 years, apart from a Co-op supermarket working from the ground floor of the building.

The Patterson Worktops in the road is being redeveloped by Argent Developers Ltd into 22 new flats, with flats of one to threebedrooms, with balconies and parking.

Mr Gilbert added: “Clearly there’s a move away from the warehouse and industrial uses for these sites.

“We always like to see sites that are not being used brought back into life and put back into use like this.

“The development so far has improved the area and I hope we see it continue. Of course development is not without it’s challenges and we don’t want to see negative impact on the area or residents.”

He said development needs to be right for the site but he hopes to see the plans and works continue to bring the sites back into use with much needed homes.

Another developer is partly converting the three-storey building at 53-57 Sutton Road into 17 flats.