ALMOST 200 new homes and offices look set for Shoebury after a developer backed down and agreed to hand over cash for schools and roads.

Officers warned Southend Council was likely to reject Garrison Developments’ plans for 172 houses and office blocks at Old Gunners Park, off Ness Road, as the firm refused to include social housing or contribute towards roads and schools.

But the Chelmsford-based developer, which had already offered nearly £1million towards sea defences to protect the floodprone site, agreed to the demands and claim planners have now backed the controversial scheme.

Paul Denney, Garrison Developments’ technical director, said: “A team of expert consultants has been working with council officers and this development will not put a strain on existing infrastructure.

“We have now reached agreement and there are no outstanding planning issues to be resolved. All of the statutory consultees including the Environment Agency, have supported these proposals.

“This application will see significant financial contributions to invest in the local area which will include, highways improvements, contributions to education and affordable housing as well as safeguarding existing residents by improving the sea defences.”

Council policy requires developers to hand over 30 per cent of large housing developments to housing associations and planning officers suggested Garrison Developments pay £1.5million towards education and between £10,000 and £15,000 towards highway works.

The company, which originally claimed the demands would make the scheme unviable, has not revealed details of its “agreement” with council officers.

Officers confirmed the developer had offered to contribute to infrastructure, but denied an agreement had been reached.

Peter Geraghty, the council’s head of planning and transport, said: “The application is still being assessed by officers and discussions with the applicants are on-going.

“The applicant has made a proposal on the required contributions that would be included in a section 106 agreement and this is being considered by officers.

“Once all aspects of the development have been assessed and discussions concluded, the application will be reported to the next available development control committee.”

Councillors will decide the application at a public meeting on Wednesday, October 8, at the earliest.

 

RESIDENTS OPPOSE PLAN BUT WELCOME INVESTMENT

 

RESIDENTS oppose new homes on the park, but welcomed the offer of cash if development goes ahead.

Neighbours would prefer the site, which is the size of more than 13 football pitches, remained as parkland.

Southend Council agreed in principle to its redevelopment, for business and commercial use, when the Shoebury Garrison Masterplan was drawn up in 2004.

Garrison Developments, which bought the 18-acre site in 2010, now wants it for housing.

John Budge, treasurer of Shoebury Residents’ Association, said: “Our concern was very much about the local infrastructure not being good enough to support these additional homes, so we are pleased to hear the developer is prepared to put money in to help in this area.

“But most of our members don’t want homes in that area and would prefer it wasn’t built on.

“We realise that’s not going to happen, and if housing is going to be built it’s good contributions to infrastructure are made.”

Anne Chalk, Independent councillor for Shoebury, said: “I’m very glad the developer has come to an agreement and is going to contribute to education, roads and social housing.

“I hope it will provide some usable green space on the site as well.”

Mr Denney, Garrison Developments’ technical director, added: “We have always been committed to delivering the best possible solution for Shoebury. “We believe this development of new family houses is preferable to large warehouses and sheds, which already has permission.”