Developers behind a controversial housing scheme in Basildon have bowed to the wishes of angry neighbours by agreeing to provide car parking.

Members of the central Basildon area committee agreed outline planning permission for seven two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes build on land next to the recently rebuilt Southwood Court at Great Spenders, Fryerns.

The site is owned by the Printer Charitable Corporation, who run Southwood Court in Basildon.

Neighbours complained bitterly at the meeting when they were given the opportunity by committee chairman, Janet Payn.

Many complained of fears over noise pollution, poor parking facilities, damaged roads by industrial vehicles, broken kerbstones and the prospect of more congested traffic.

Mrs Payn said: "At present, people in Great Spenders park in the road, but the proposed development will stop them being able to do this.

"Council planning officers raised this concern with the applicants and they have agreed to sign a legal agreement to provide ten parking bays at either end of the site for use by existing local residents.

"The plans, as laid out, also include enough parking for people living in the 23 new homes, so I think this is a very useful commitment from the developers to stifle any possible negative effects on the area.

"The developers have also agreed to keep four large trees on the site which we would like preserved. If this does go ahead, the scheme will also bring some much needed new homes for the district."

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