Basildon Council is making an order to purchase part of the Craylands estate to further the regeneration of the area.

The council’s cabinet voted to apply to the Government for a compulsory purchase order, but said it would only be used as a last resort because the authority hopes to negotiate with the people affected.

The order enables the council to acquire the land from its owners to make way for the £250million Fryerns and Craylands regeneration scheme – which includes up to 1,400 new homes.

Council leader Tony Ball said: “It's important the council has the ability to use these powers, but I make it clear they will only be used if absolutely necessary to acquire land and property.

“The council will always negotiate fairly with affected land and home owners in accordance with legal requirements, and will only use compulsory purchase order powers as a last resort to enable development when it is in the interests of the borough and its residents.”

The area the order covers includes parts of Craylands Road, Exeter Close, Norwich Walk, Rochester Way, Southwark Path and Isis Way.

If people object to the order a public inquiry could be held.

They will be entitled to compensation and all costs will be covered by the Housing and Communities Agency and developer Swan Housing.

Lynda Gordon, Labour leader for Basildon Council, said it was important people understood the order would only be used as a last resort.

She added: “It may not even be the tenth option.”