The future of South East Essex College could be decided within a month if two remaining hurdles are overcome.

Southend would finally feature on the academic map if the ambitious £41 million university scheme, to be based in Luker Road, were approved.

The college would move from its existing sites in Carnarvon Road, Queensway, London Road and Lifstan Way.

But the battle is far from over. The Secretary of State for the Environment must now consider proposals to sell off the college's playing fields in Lifstan Way as a housing development.

The scheme by Martin Dawn was to include up to 80 homes - a number which subsequently increased under later proposals - but a more sparse development is now to be considered by council officers.

The college claims the deal hinges on the sale as it would raise £3 million of the £41 million required - but it contravenes Southend Council's green policies and caused a storm of controversy among environmental groups and residents.

A new twist to the saga was delivered yesterday(Thursday) when it was revealed a new "green" space could be bought by the college to compensate for the loss of the Lifstan Way site.

No site has yet been found, but approval of the deal now rests with council officers after councillors voted to approve the plans - subject to a number of weighty conditions - at yesterday's (Thursday's) development control committee.

There remained deep divisions within all political parties as it was conceded another green space could be lost in the borough.

Ann Holland (Con, Southchurch) said: "We do want regeneration but not at any cost."

However, many councillors said the project would determine the future of Southend for the next 50 years.

Howard Briggs (Con, Belfairs) said: "I fail to see why we are faffing around when we have a perfectly good report in front of us. Yet here we are dotting I's and crossing T's. There are occasional sacrifices to be made. We must have this new college and we must not delay."

If the Secretary of State does approve the sale of the land, it is thought the deal could go through in just one month. If he rejects it, a public inquiry will be held and the process could take up to one year.

A question mark also remains over whether the college can find a green site in Southend to replace the Lifstan Way playing fields.

The college itself issued a brief statement.

A spokesman said: "A number of options are being considered but as yet no specific sites have been named."

By Chris Weeks

Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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