Plans have been submitted to build 20 flats and new homes on a site which was used for a children’s care home in south Essex.

The plans include the demolition of an existing building and construction of 20 flats, with one, two and three bedroom properties and four three bedroom homes at the site in Stock Road, Billericay.

The existing building is vacant  and has not been in use since the care home shut down in 2018. 

A total of 13 car parking spaces are proposed inclusive of one accessible space. This includes nine parking spaces for the 20 flats, whilst four spaces are proposed within the deep integral garages for the four houses, one space each. 

It comes after the council refused proposals for 30 flats at the site last April. Basildon Council’s planning committee is set to agree the plans at a meeting on November 13.

The NHS’ Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board says a developer’s contribution of £11,800 would be needed to deal with the impact on the health services. 

The council officer’s report states: “The development would make a positive moderate towards the council’s five year housing land supply, provide economic benefits to the area during the construction period, and an increase in local household spending following occupation. In terms of the social aspect of sustainable development, there are clear benefits in the provision of much needed new housing.

“The proposed development is considered to be of a good quality design in terms of its character, appearance, form and layout and will overall provide good quality dwellings and living conditions for future occupiers. The landscaping and communal amenity space will enhance the setting of the development and provide usable communal spaces for the future occupiers. The proposal is not considered to result in any significant impacts on the residential amenities of neighbouring occupiers.

“The proposed development is considered to have suitably addressed the reasons that led to the refusal of the previous scheme, represents a sustainable form of development in accordance with the adopted Local Plan and the NPPF and is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions and a S106 Legal Agreement to secure planning obligations and contributions.”