PLANS to transport thousands of tonnes of soil on “vulnerable” Southend roads are set to be withdrawn in favour of the developer going through the heart of the city and the seafront.

Bellway Homes is behind plans to build 214 new homes on flood-prone land off Barge Pier Road, Shoebury, but huge piles of earth must be delivered to raise the homes.

The developer had planned initially proposed two routes, but they both proved to be controversial.

Now, the developer has agreed a new route for the lorries, going up Victoria Avenue before heading down to the seafront via Queensway and past the Kursaal to the seafront.

Southend Tory Council leader Tony Cox, said: “I met with Bellway Homes and they have agreed to reduce the movements down from 85,000 movements to 40,000 movements and they will follow a more logical route to the site, which is down Victoria Avenue.

“They will not be going through Thorpe Hall. They will go down past the Kursaal and turn left on to the seafront to Barge Pier Road.

“I’m happy we’ve managed to get them to reduce the number of vehicle movements and have agreed a more acceptable route that will have far less impact on residents.

“It’s a combination of the type of vehicles they are going to use as well as the amounts of soil. The lorries will be slightly bigger but not much more.”

Bellway planned to use a controversial route along Eastern Avenue and Thorpe Hall Avenue to Shoebury Common Road but this raised fears underground sewage pipes could be affected.

Another route from Eastern Avenue and along North Shoebury Road and Ness Road over a vulnerable rail bridge was also set to share some of the load.

Ron Woodley, Residents First councillor for Thorpe Ward, said: “I welcome anything that avoids the 85,600 heavy truck movements they were planning.

“Whatever happens, there is still going to be trucks coming through the city, thankfully now with a reduction in the number of schools they will be passing.”

Mr Woodley called for residents to be consulted on the new application adding “it is still going to go past a great number of homes”.

He added: “I have to thank Tony Cox for taking the lead on this and trying to come to a solution that can solve the majority of the problems.”

Bellway confirmed a final plan had been agreed to manage lorries, after holding talks with Southend council leader Tony Cox recently.

The company is now preparing an updated submission for its traffic management plan.

Phil Standen, managing director for Bellway Essex, said: "We have planning consent for the earthworks and the previous construction management plan had already been approved. However, we chose to carry out further analysis to review the logistics of the construction process.

“We have worked closely with the council to improve this plan and are keen to keep the community informed every step of the way. Our aim is to deliver a development to be proud of and we are excited to take the next step towards starting work on site."

He said Bellway has a "strong track record of creating communities in Southend and across Essex."