Partners involved in the Nethermayne proposals in Basildon, Essex, have highlighted the positive benefits of the project following the decision to approve outline plans for 725 homes on public land.

The project is a joint partnership with Basildon Borough Council, South Essex College and the HCA.

Now that outline planning permission has been granted, the prospect of a new College in the town centre is one step closer and given recent headlines about the increase of vacant shops in the town centre, this project is clearly now more important than ever.

Councillor Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for regeneration, is clear of the benefits that the relocation will bring to the town centre and said: "Not only will this project help to deliver new family homes with a new school being provided as the homes are being built, it will also assist the proposed move by South Essex College to a new purpose built campus in the town. With the closure of the SEEVIC facilities, it has become even more important that the Council secures the future of South Essex College within the Borough.

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"The addition of hundreds of students and staff into the town centre during the day and evening will assist shopkeepers at a time when the town is facing the same struggles as other places up and down the country.

"The college move and the associated relocation of the market is a key element of our strategy for regenerating the town centre to make it a more vibrant and prosperous place.

"We are expecting that a planning application for the market move will be submitted shortly which will create a modern new market destination for the town that will complement St Martin's Square and the western end of the town. The college and market moves will give a real economic lift to the town."

(CD/JP)