A FORMER carpet showroom, warehouse and car park could be transformed into 22 new flats after the site was put on the market for £1.5million.

Estate agent Ayers and Cruiks is listing the site, on London Road, Westcliff, and has branded it a “development opportunity”.

Although there is no planning permission in place for the site, the estate agent has revealed it has potential to offer 22 flats alongside a ground floor commercial unit.

At the moment, a former carpet showroom and empty warehouse occupy the land, opposite Chalkwell Park, as well as three flats and a large customer car park.

James Courtenay, councillor for the Chalkwell ward, raised concerns about the potential development but said he was open to the idea.

He said: “I think overall I am supportive of sustainable development.

“But my concerns with this site is with 22 flats, where will all these people park? That needs to be thought about.

“It is rubbish that people don’t need cars in flats, so it needs to be considered.

“I would be disappointed to lose any shop frontage along there too, so I hope that remains included.

“Any development like this will need to go through relevant planning permission.

“I think an opportunity here is achievable, and providing they meet all the needs and requirements, it could be good.

“So, I am sceptical, but open to persuasion.”

According to the listing, the proposed development would include a range of flats, from one-bedroom homes to three-bedroom flats for four people.

The initial proposal was a box-shaped building with a commercial space on the ground floor and four storeys of residential units with balconies at the front and rear.

However, concerns were raised about how this design would fit into the area.

According to the estate agent, four separate options are being drawn up ahead of the sale with a range of designs to help meet Southend Council’s standards and match developments in the surrounding areas.

To view the full listing, see rightmove.co.uk/properties/154024808#/?channel=COM_BUY