Southend Trading Centre could be demolished for bungalows

According to plans the Southend Trading Centre, on London Road opposite the Nazareth House site, is no longer viable as a shop or office and would be better suited as homes.

The dealership previously explored plans to transform the site into a car wash, according to plans drawn up by architects RD Architecture.

Milton ward Labour councillor, Maxine Sadza, believes it would be good to have more housing along London Road.

She said: “I feel I would rather have this than a potential empty shop along the street that cannot be filled, it is best to look at the road getting more accommodation in there. We need more accommodation.

“We have a long waiting list and even though these may not be social housing or council housing, it would go some way to helping with the problem of not having enough housing.

“Families live in bungalows, not just the elderly and that is a good move, I am no longer involved in development but this is a positive move and while the road can be busy, they will not make an impact if they are far enough back from the road.”

Alongside operating as a car dealership, the business also carries out services and repairs.

RD Architecture note in their application that the site has been deemed unsuccessful as any other use for sale and lease besides the current car dealership.

They said: “Evidence has been provided the site has been marketed for sale and lease but has been unsuccessful as any use other than the current car sales, repairs, etcetera and requires major cost in installing new floors, walls and shopfronts.

“This means it is simply not viable for any business to lease or purchase this site for other uses such as a shop or office with conversion works.”

According to the application, transforming the business into a shop or office would cost between “£100,000 and £150,000” and take between nine and 12 months.

The applicant stated there is precedent for the loss of commercial space on the street due to previous applications.