PLANS for a former zoo in Basildon to be transformed into four council homes are set to get the green light.

Sempra Homes, Basildon Council’s housing firm, are behind plans to transform the former Basildon Aviary and Wildlife Park, in London Road, Vange into new homes more than 20 years after it closed.

The zoo closed down in 2001 after being hit with complaints and protests about the conditions of the animals kept at the attraction and has remained empty ever since.

The planning application has been recommended for approval by council officers ahead of next Wednesday’s planning committee meeting.

Indicative layout plan of proposed developmentIndicative layout plan of proposed development (Image: Sempra Homes)

Sempra Homes’ plan is for four three-bed homes, after initial plans for nine homes were rejected in 2022.

A statement from the officer's report to be presented next week said: “The site had been used as a zoo until the early 2000s and can be divided into two  distinct areas.

“The western half has been landscaped and contains a number of  trees interspersed by a number of buildings set amongst these trees with hedging along the frontage, limiting views into the site; whilst the eastern half is more open in character, with a large car park occupying the front of this area containing a garden centre, and a paddock to the rear.

“The former zoo enclosures were removed due to their poor condition on Health and Safety grounds in approximately 2014, whilst the zoo keeper’s bungalow was  demolished recently on the recommendation of the Fire Service following an arson attack.”

Situated on a 4.6-acre site close to Vange Primary School, Basildon Aviary and Wildlife Zoo opened in 1973.

It was home to a range of mammals, birds and reptiles, and even included lions.

Alongside animals, there was a miniature railway for train enthusiasts, which proved to be a hugely popular draw.

By the 1990s the zoo lost its appeal and it closed its gates for good in November 2001 after failing to renew its licence.