THE major redevelopment of Gardiners Lane South may be “kick started” after an outline planning application was submitted.

London-based Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners have submitted an outline planning application on behalf of applicants Amersham-based Inland Homes PLC to Basildon Council to build an 89-house development on land used by Basildon Rifle Club, in Gardiners Close, Basildon.

Basildon Council has earmarked the whole of the Gardiners Lane area for major redevelopment for a number of years, including 660 houses and business space, which could lead to up to 7,000 jobs being created.

Planning documents read: “Within our vision of a wider masterplan, this site would always be best suited to a residential use.

“The proposals will thus work in both a ‘piecemeal’ development approach and a ‘masterplan’ approach.”

The news has angered 61-year- old Pauline Missing, who lived in the road, which is in the middle of the council’s planned redevelopment, since 1987.

“Half of my life I have been struggling with the development of the area,” she said.

“It is disgraceful and unfair it has gone on for this long.

“We have been piggy in the middle.

“It is horrible not knowing what they are doing.”

The rifle club is hoping to Courtauld Road, near the Burnt Mills industrial estate.

The developers are looking to replace the club’s cabin, woodland and open space with 16 one-bed and 34 two-bed flats, as well as 19 two-bed houses and 30 three-bed houses.

New access roads would be created.

There is also provision for 185 parking and green space on the 2.25 hectare sire.

Planning documents read: “This in no way compromises a future larger scale masterplan from coming forward.

“It will assist in defining the way future developments can take place within a logical framework of interconnecting sites along the principle access routes.

“Gardiners Close has an attractive rural character which will be enhanced by the proposals.

“The Rifle Club site at Gardiners Close offers an unrivalled opportunity to ‘kick-start’ the regeneration of the Gardiners Lane Neighbourhood.

“This can be achieved with a well-designed residential scheme that allows an upgrade of the current infrastructure to begin.

“The proposals will offer a sustainable approach, providing housing which is appropriate to market needs and creating an attractive scheme for this key corner site.”

According to the agents, the development will “make a long term benefit from the existing landscape, however overgrown at present”.

Documents read that the road forms the southern access road for the development site.

There are already several houses along the road.

Planning documents continue: “At 40 dwellings per hectare, the density and quantum will maintain the low key suburban character.

“It in no way compromises a future larger scale masterplan from coming forward.

“It will assist in defining the way future developments can take place within a logical framework of interconnecting sites along the principle access routes.

“The proposals respect the linkage and green infrastructure network, enhancing the opportunities for the delivery of the vision expressed in the wider masterplan."