WORK could finally begin on a huge project to build three new storeys on top of an eight-storey tower block in Basildon town centre.

Plans were initially granted back in 2021 for Basildon Properties Limited to add 151 new homes to Trafford House tower block, but work never begun.

Now, a fresh application has been submitted to build the three extra floors which would make the block, in Cherrydown East, the second tallest block of flats in Basildon.

At the time, residents raised concerns that the added floors would cause the building to become more imposing and dominate the skyline, as well as fears over added traffic and a lack of parking.

As part of an agreement with the council, the company is set to invest more than £175,000 towards open space, culture and sports provision within the Kingswood area of Basildon.

Kerry Smith, councillor for housing and property at Basildon Council, expressed his concerns about the plans.

“I objected because it’s going to cause traffic chaos during construction,” he said.

“I believe local councils should have greater powers when it comes to development plans.

“But I did lobby for the £175,000 to be invested into the Kingswood area which will be some compensation for this development.”

It would see the current eight-storey block become 11-storeys high, making it the second highest building in Basildon, behind the towering Brooke House.

As part of the extra 151 flats, 25 of these will be classed as affordable and car parking spaces would reduce from 183 to 145, but cycle parking would increase to 490.

Developers had been told that work will not be able to commence until a relocation strategy has been arranged to manage the movement of existing residents affected by the proposed development.

A 2021 report, produced by Christine Lyons, assistant director of planning and regeneration at Basildon Council, reads: “At 11 storeys in height the development would be more imposing than existing but would not appear particularly more dominant than surrounding buildings.

“There would be no adverse impact upon the setting or significance of Brooke House.”