A MINI-HOUSING estate is set to be given the go-ahead in Benfleet in a bid to tackle the borough’s housing shortage.

The 12 homes, a mixture of flats and family size houses, would be built on a plot in London Road, Benfleet, by Dove Jeffery Homes, which specialises in affordable homes.

The site has only one bungalow on it and neighbours have raised concerns about overdevelopment, flooding and traffic.

Conservative councillor Tom Skipp, who represents the Appleton ward, was set to meet with a concerned resident and will also attend next week’s development control committee.

He said: “I welcome the affordable housing, but understand residents have some concerns and we need to try and overcome these to get this application through to completion.

“Generally, I am in favour of it as it is something that is desperately needed in the borough as there are many young people who want to stay here, but who are struggling to find housing they can afford to buy.”

The plans include two threebedroom homes, one two-bedroom bungalow, four three-bedroom homes and a two storey block of two one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats.

Twelve residents submitted comments about the plans.

One London Road resident raised concerns about traffic on London Road, which has a 30mph speed limit.

They said: “While this may be a case in law, the reality of it is that drivers still travel at excessive speeds along this road, making it very difficult to get in and out of properties and junctions.

“Our property is directly opposite this new development and we have concerns that having an exit on to London Road could be dangerous.

“What kind of safety provisions will be made to enforce the speed limit to avoid collisions at this new junction, as any accident on this stretch of road causes chaos to the surrounding area?”

Other points have been made about noise from contractors and flooding.

Council officers have recommended the plans be approved by councillors at next Tuesday’s development control committee.