PLANS to build four restaurants in Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park have been approved by councillors.

The new crescent-shape of cafes will be in front of the main entrance and aims to create a “piazza” area between the new and existing buildings with widened pavements as well as two new taxi ranks, lighting and planters.

It is hoped 85 jobs will be created by the new development.

Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, said he was pleased the new development was going ahead.

He said: “Any new business which creates jobs is very welcome. I think it shows the success of the Festival Leisure Park. I know it has taken a little bit of criticism, but I think it is a great source of employment and a great place for people to enjoy themselves. I wish them all the success.”

Although 91 car parking spaces will be lost when the new units are built, applicants Aviva Life and Pensions UK had carried out surveys which showed between 17 per cent and 46 per cent of the parking spaces were empty during peak times.

Essex County Council did not raise an objection, but the Empire cinema was concerned about the parking as well as the new restaurants blocking the front of its property.

Plans for a giant TV to be installed in the park to show major events such as the 2012 Olympics had been previously suggested, but were not included in the plans.