FRESH plans have been submitted to transform a coal yard in Shoeburyness into a housing development.

Under the planning application, the coal yard would be completely redeveloped to include five two-bedroom houses, two two-bed flats and a single one-bed flat.

Parking spaces would also be created, as well as bicycle and bin storage.

The application from APS Design states the scheme is being proposed as the owner of the coal business, AJ Offord, which owns the site on Shoebury Avenue, is making retirement plans.

The developers have bought an ‘optional agreement’ which gives them ownership of the land if they are granted planning permission.

The site is surrounded by houses and the planning documents note that while it is operating as a coal yard it creates “noise, dust and general nuisance” due to it receiving large quantities of coal which is later loaded onto trucks for home delivery.

While the plans do not include details of any homes categorised as “affordable”, the developer is aiming to make the properties “affordable family homes” which will be “ideal for younger families”.

A previous application to redevelop the site was withdrawn due to concerns that additional houses would result in overdevelopment, an issue that has been resolved in this application following meetings with the council’s planning officers.

In the application, the developer states: “It is felt that the development will be of benefit to the area by replacing an unneighbourly use that is incompatible with its surroundings.

“This will result in a significant enhancement in the quality of the environment and local amenity values.

“The proposal is a good fit within the site and provides a high standard of living accommodation for future occupants without unduly compromising the amenity of neighbouring properties.”

A decision on the plans will be made by council’s development committee at a future meeting.