NEW images have been revealed of plans to replace a row of derelict businesses with 25 new flats on a Westcliff street.

Developer Dove Jeffrey Homes is behind plans to demolish an empty office block and two vacant businesses in London Road, Westcliff, and build a two blocks of flats.

If plans are are approved by Southend Council, the buildings will be razed to the ground and a five-storey block of 14 flats and a four-storey block of 11 apartments will be built in its place.

Plans were initially submitted last November but in a bid to win over the council, fresh CGI images showing roof gardens and balconies have been added to the documents.

Chalkwell Tory candidate, James Courtenay, believes the plans should be approved but did raise concerns over the impact on the already busy road.

He said: “I am pleased to see there is a desire to redevelop the area but my concern as well as the concern of residents is overdevelopment.

“I understand you have to have a certain number of flats to make it viable and the developer has a lot of involvement, but you need to be aware of pressures on schools and waste collected.

“It is good they are changing the use from derelict commercial properties to residential, but in that there is the concern and sometimes it is a shame to see businesses become derelict and then end up as flats.

“I am positive about this development overall but you can tip it to becoming a negative and that is the issue. What needs to be looked at by the development control committee is the sheer volume of people moving there.

“I don’t think many people would be against a reasonable development, but then think of the parking and the pressure on local services.”

The flats would replace the former LBH Insurance offices, which closed early last year, as well as a former Chinese restaurant and old Italian street food business.

Speaking previously, Dove-Jeffrey co-owner, Raymond Dove, called the building “derelict and deteriorated”, adding that that the scheme presents a good facility for young people starting out.

Mr Courtenay is hoping to be elected as the Chalkwell ward at the elections on May 2. Other candidates are Christopher Hind (Lib Dem), Mike O’Connor (Lab), Roma Patel (Confelicity), James Vessey-Miller (Green)