Basildon could be set for a multi-million pound windfall from the sale of vast tracts of town centre land.
Council leaders are pinning their hopes on a wide-ranging Government review which they believe could have "huge implications" for the entire district.
The review of regeneration organisation, English Partnerships, could see the relaxation of rules which only allow Basildon Council to recoup between ten and five per cent of profits from the sale of land it owns with the Partnership.
The organisation has a claim on land handed to it in 1999 by the Commission for New Towns, which built Basildon.
Anthony Borlase, deputy leader of Basildon Council, said: "We look after a lot of this land but if we decide to redevelop a piece, English Partnerships claims between 90 and 95 per cent of the profit."
Mr Borlase said any changes would free up a lot of money for council services, without extra cash having to be found through grants or taxes.
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