Plans for a huge new block of flats in Southend city centre have been approved

Plans for a huge new block of flats in Southend city centre have been approved, despite concerns around a lack of parking spaces.

The approved plans are to redevelop Alexander House, which was previously HM Customs & Excise offices, into 557 flats. But only 299 parking spaces will be included as part of the plans.

The property developer, Comer Homes, had argued that the number of parking spaces is suitable because of the city centre location near to train stations and that the homes will be “ideal for home workers” with desk space in every flat.

Southend City Council planning officers have also placed a specific restriction on the plans – residents in the new block will not be allowed to apply for on-street parking permits.

The project will see the building developed into 334 one-bed flats, 185 two-bed flats and 38 three-bed flats.

16-storey Alexander House was constructed in 1973 and was used as offices for HMRC until the government agency began to relocate staff to the Stratford office.

Many of the 1,000+ staff were also made redundant during the closure of the Southend office.