NEW high-rise tower blocks could replace those set to be demolished as part of a Southend regeneration scheme now estimated to cost £500million.

The proposed revamp of the Queensway area in central Southend was originally billed at £300million to build 1,300 homes of mid and low-rise blocks of flats up to 12-storeys high.

With better links between central Southend and the High Street, the plans were aimed at providing a more “socially cohesive” way of life which would not leave residents isolated in high rise blocks.

However, the latest plan, costing £200million more than first proposed, is to build 1,650 homes in blocks up to 16-storeys high – higher than the current four 15-storey blocks where tenants have suffered from vandalism, antisocial behaviour and drug dealing.

These much-needed new homes have broad cross-party support from councillors.

However, the plan controversially involves the removal of the Queensway underpass meaning all traffic between Victoria Gateway, the east of the town and the seafront will have to negotiate the Porters Grange roundabout.

Former council leader, Tony Cox, said Conservatives took over when the plans first proposed by the previous coalition administration.

He said: “Up to 16 storeys is the plan.

“With modern day construction you can have more stories but keep the same height.

“The coalition put forward the idea and we carried it on.

“I have no problem with the scheme per se. It is a regeneration project and most people welcome the regeneration of Queensway.”

Mr Cox believes the road layout out is paramount.

He continued: “It is massively important. We don’t want to regret it. That part of town is the link down to the seafront. It could lead to the regeneration of other parts of the town.

“If done well, tower blocks are not a problem. If the design is right.”

Mike Smith, former secretary of the Queensway Residents’ Association, said he was surprised at the 16 storey re-think.

He said: “It seemed to be fairly set in stone they would be up to 12-storeys. The coalition said they wanted to keep levels low.”

Mr Smith, who lives in Malvern flats on Queensway, added: “I live on the 14th floor and I would like to be up at the top of the building because I like the isolation and less noise and cleaner air but if someone was disabled they would want to be lower.

“Most people don’t know their neighbours though and I think it’s important to have a community atmosphere.”

A council spokesman said the regeneration of the Queensway estate has been an aspiration of the council for over five years - and remained so.

It is being delivered by Southend Council in partnership with Swan Housing.

The spokesman said: “The Swan example scheme included a mix of building heights and that is the basis of the current public consultation and will be the subject of further consultation in the New Year ahead of the submission of a planning application.

“Projects of this sort of importance rightly take time, major investment, and a balancing of challenges and priorities.

“It is inevitable, over time, the scale of this project has changed, but at its heart remains about delivering better housing.”