Bulldozers go into shops site as development on more than 200 flats progresses

Bulldozers have been sent to knock down two large former shops ahead of more than 200 new flats being built on the site in an Essex town.

Works have begun on the 245 home development at the site of the former Staples and Carphone Warehouse, off Great Oaks, Basildon – with the developer insisting the project will create “energy efficient, sustainable and modern new homes for the benefit of the Basildon area.”

The development will see a mix of one and two-bedroom flats. Plans, originally submitted by developer Turley, were agreed in 2021. Following the permission, Donard Real Estate took ownership of the site and project and submitted proposals last October 2023 to amend parts of the approved development. 

Kevin Blake, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, welcomed the progress in the development. He said: “It’s a development that is not high rise and the progress is quite pleasing. It brings people into the town centre as well as ticking other boxes, this a development that we supported when we were in administration. I hope the homes go to Basildon people but overall I think this will be beneficial. I prefer this over 20-odd storey high developments, this is something that’s controllable and looks nice. This part of the town centre does need to be redeveloped and the site has been empty for a long time now. I hope local people can get these homes, and these are affordable to some people in the borough, as it’s tough out there so we want to see local people getting on the housing ladder.”

The development is expected to include: public realm improvements including a landscaped courtyard for residents to enjoy, rooftop gardens, public art and more. 

A spokesman for Donard Real Estate said: “The site is being cleared today as one step of the development programme. The intention is to build 245 apartments that are energy efficient, sustainable and modern new homes for the benefit of the Basildon area.”