A bold development transforming Basildon into a 21st century urban showpiece drew one step closer as councillors ordered an investigation into the plan.
The blueprint for a 90-acre regeneration scheme on Gardiners Lane South includes, shops, a business village and new homes.
Last night's meeting of the central Basildon committee saw a unanimous vote in favour of surveying the area to discover what impact the development would have on the environment.
Councillors agreed that, due to the sheer size of the project, its affect on wildlife, traffic, noise and light pollution would need to be assessed.
Independent surveyors will be contracted by developers, English Partnerships, to start evaluating over the next two weeks.
Colin Payn (Lab, St Martin's ward) said: "It is one of the biggest developments in the south-east.
"It sees people working and living in the same area, with shops and workshops on the same street as homes. In the centre of it all there will be an emphasis on technology.
"At the moment, 60 per cent of our workers travel to London," said Mr Payn, "Why is it they spend two or more hours travelling each day?
"These people could work near their homes, if we can attract the right sort of jobs, and have more time to get involved in the community."
Published Thursday, May 29, 2003
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