A "host of new jobs" are set for Basildon after extensive plans to redevelop the town's derelict Yardley site were given the green light.

Janet Payn, chairman of central Basildon area committee, predicted the new multi-million pound development would give a boost to the town by creating new posts.

But councillor Annie Humphries regretted the loss of the building's award-winning facade, which will be demolished during the course of the work.

Councillors at last night's (Wednesday's) meeting approved plans to redevelop 17 acres of the site, in Miles Gray Road.

Once complete, the scheme will comprise a three-storey office block, the creation of almost 160,000 square feet of industrial and storage floorspace, a restaurant and a car wash.

Mrs Payn (Lab, Fryerns East) said: "This scheme can only be seen as extremely good news for everyone in the district. The regeneration of this site will bring a host of new jobs for local people that will help enhance their quality of life and the local economy."

However, Mrs Humphries (Labour, Fryerns Central) said: "Although I can't see anything in principle the council could object to I still lament the fact we are going to lose the facade of the building that in the 1960s and 1970s won architectural awards.

"It has been one of the landmarks of the A127 and it's rather sad that the people taking the building over couldn't seek to retain it."

Developers have already agreed to provide £8,000 towards the cost of saplings to be planted along the southern side of the A127 from Nevendon flyover to Upper Mayne.

They will also fund a range of community works including provision of a bus shelter and pelican crossing in Miles Gray Road and repairing footpaths around the site. Work is scheduled to begin once a legal agreement between the developer and the council has been signed.

The site is owned by the Minton Group and Mirravale Holdings.

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