Basildon Council Gives Nod to Pitsea Police Station Flats Plan
Plans to bulldoze the old Pitsea police station and build 22 flats have been approved by Basildon Council. The station was shut down by Essex Police back in 2016 during a major restructure of police facilities across the county.
Local Residents and Councillor Raise Parking Fears
Despite the green light, over 20 residents from nearby Rectory Road have slammed the proposal, warning it will worsen parking chaos in Howard Crescent and surrounding streets. Conservative councillor Craig Rimmer broke ranks with his party to voice serious doubts about the scheme.
“This building turning into flats is not guaranteed,” said Rimmer. “Parking issues in the area are already bad. Just because plans exist doesn’t mean they’ll happen.”
Plan Details and Council Pressure
The demolition will make way for an L-shaped, mixed two- and three-storey building offering 22 parking spots. The 1970s-era police station sits on Rectory Road and has long awaited a new purpose.
Octagon Development Ltd says the project aims to solve “poor” housing delivery in Basildon. Their planning statement stressed the urgency: “The poor delivery is a serious situation and means that the presumption in favour of sustainable development currently applies in the borough.”
Government Watching Basildon’s Next Move
The council is under mounting pressure. Officials have warned government intervention could be on the cards if Basildon fails to deliver a local plan that settles development sites for the next decade. This latest approval is a step in that direction – but local worries remain loud and clear.
