PLANS to build 587 homes as part of an estate’s revamp have been recommended for approval.

Basildon Council officers have thrown their weight behind the next stage of the Craylands redevelopment.

It means the second phase of the project on the former estate, now known as Beechwood Village, could get the go ahead - subject to the developer agreeing a large section 106 agreement.

The council wants Swan Housing to pay £160,000 towards GP services, as well funding additional primary school places to help the area cope with growing demand.

The agreement would also demand 62 affordable homes for rent.

A decision will be made at a planning committee meeting tomorrow night at the Basildon Centre.

A planning department spokesman said: “Where there are limited conflicts with guidelines such as back-to-back distances between the houses, these are addressed in the house design to ensure overlooking does not occur.

“The scheme represents an overall improvement in parking. Spaces are also located so as to be in locations that have greater surveillance and security.

“Affordable housing over the whole development meets the requirements of the intent in the original legal agreement delivering 30 per cent.

“It provides much needed new homes in an urban area.

The estate, built in the Sixties, is undergoing a £200million regeneration, with 970 new homes being created and old ones being knocked down in stages.