WORK will start next week on rebuilding a shopping complex destroyed in an inferno nearly two years ago.

Plans to rebuild the Triangle shops, which burnt down in January this year, were granted planning permission on Tuesday night by Basildon councillors.

The Tory authority insists the complex, off High Road, in Langdon Hills, will get a £1.8million rebuild and will be better than before – with two new shop units and five flats above.

Site preparation works will start on Monday ahead of finding a developer to build the new-look complex with the authority wanting it finished by September.

Stephen Hillier, Tory councillor for Langdon Hills, spoke at the planning meeting where councillors unanimously approved the plans, and said: “It goes without saying this is an extremely valuable site of shops and a neighbourhood centre.

“My only concern is officers are under pressure to get things moving as soon as possible and I would urge them to make sure there is no undue delay with planning issues from here on in.”

Four shops – McColl’s newsagents, Hong Kong House Chinese, Elizabeth Louise Hair and Beauty, and the chip shop – were destroyed.

All of them have indicated they will return, and two extra units for shops will be made available, as well as six extra car parking spaces for customers – bringing the total to 25.

Stuart Sullivan, councillor responsible for resources, said: “We are providing a development which includes more shops, more parking and better design – and, with homes above, improved security.”

The council received an insurance payout of £700,000 and has borrowed an extra £1.1million for the rebuild.

It hopes a firm is in place to start work by the end of January.

The tender process finishes on January 15.

Interested firms can visit www.delta-esourcing.com/delta