Five storey block of flats could soon be fronting onto William Hunter Way if the ambitious plans get the go ahead from Brentwood Council.

The residential block would be the first of its kind on what was previously known as the North Service Road.

The scheme put forward by Shenfield based MCC Developments Ltd would also see the former High Street home of Cascade Florists, beside McDonald's, demolished to make way for a new three storey building with a restaurant on the first two floors.

Cascade has already moved across the road to takeover the premises previously occupied by the Flowers and Wine Shop.

The plans prepared by Billericay's LAP Architects are bound to provoke fierce debate as the development is within a conservation area and would see another food and drink unit established in an area already dominated by pubs and restaurants.

The block of 30 flats would be constructed on a site behind 101 to 105 High Street with access from a small side road leading off William Hunter Way.

The shop building at 105 High Street, which currently houses the St Francis Hospice Charity Shop, would remain in place.

The flat development consists of 25 one-bedroom units, four two bedroom flats and a single bedsit. A communal garden would be established between the flats and the back of the High Street shops.

Gerry Bender, a member of Brentwood Action Group, said he would have to wait to see what was planned for the new High Street unit, but the council had to be aware of its possible impact.

He said: "The council has a dilemma as there is little they can do to stop changes of use in these kind of premises. With the plans they have approved up until now there is an inevitability that people will want to come and open similar premises."

MCC Developments Ltd declined to comment on the proposals ahead of discussions with Brentwood Council planners this week.

Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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