CONSTRUCTION work is posed to start on demolishing a former car showroom and building 33 new flats in its place.

Developer Dove Jeffrey Homes is behind plans to raze the derelict and rundown former Yesteryear Classics car showroom on Sutton Road, Southend, to the ground to provide much-needed new homes in the city.

Last week the developer had a series of reserved matters planning applications approved and is now free to begin work on the site.

The 33 flats will be divided into two three-storey blocks with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes.

Initially plans were approved by Southend Council in December 2022, however no work has taken place.

Ian Gilbert, Labour councillor responsible regeneration, major projects and regulatory services, was pleased to hear construction looks set to begin soon.

He said: “It is always a positive sign when derelict buildings are brought back into use, as in the end, having buildings left derelict isn’t beneficial for anybody.

“Housing is certainly needed in Southend.

“It is always a question of what type, but certainly any housing on a brownfield site that is proportionate to the area is always to be welcomed.”

Southend Council has signed off a series of application including the finer details of the plans, including the type of materials to be used and drainage strategies for the flats.

In the proposal, the applicant stated: “This development of 33 apartments will create a cohesive and sympathetic infill to enhance the existing street scene to Sutton Road.

“The design responds to the site’s constraints, maintaining the existing strong building lines, both front and rear as well as providing visual breaks which allow an improved transition and reduced impact on neighbouring properties.

“The proposed development provides a good opportunity to create a positive contribution to the Sutton Road regeneration area and will enable the delivery of much-needed affordable housing.”

Southend has seen an increase in flats’ developments in the past five years including a series of developments in Sutton Road.