The former Blenheim House old people's home in Leigh is to be demolished to make way for new homes, if Southend Council gives the planning go-ahead.

It is more than a year since the social services-run home was controversially closed, along with a number of other homes, in a cost-saving exercise after deficits spiralled out of control. The homes had been inherited by Southend Council from Essex County Council when it became a unitary authority.

Now the London and Quadrant Housing Trust is seeking permission to knock down the former home in Randolph Close and build 16 two-storey and four three-story houses with 40 car parking spaces.

The trust is also involved with the planning application for the former Friars House old people's home in Shoebury which was sold by the council last year.

If the trust gets permission it will demolish the building in Centurian Close and build one detached and 13 terraced two-storey houses with parking for 28 cars.

A spokesman for Southend Council said the planning application for the Blenheim House scheme would probably come before committee on March 8.

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