Sheltered living flats are being proposed in an “ideal location” in Benfleet.

Plans have been submitted to demolish a shop and construct a three-storey building containing 14 sheltered flats.

The plans are proposed for 191 to 193 High Road, Benfleet, which currently homes Image Flooring and Body Care gym, as well as flats on the first floor.

The plush plans include a roof garden as well as a balcony for every flat.

Councillor Wendy Goodwin, of the Boyce ward on Benfleet, welcomed the plans, branding High Road as a perfect location, and pointing towards the areas need for additional sheltered accommodation.

She said: “It is an ideal location, because it is sheltered accommodation, and you are right in the town centre.

“You are next to all the amenities, and right next to the bus stop as well.

“It is good, we need more sheltered accommodation in the area so it is great that these applications are coming forward.

“When you think of sheltered accommodation, you do want to make life as easy as possible for the residents, and a location like that does make life easier.

“You are in the town centre, the bus stop is on their door step, you have all your amenities, it seems the ideal location.

“The plans do sound lovely, so hopefully it will create some nice homes.”

Sheltered housing is designed for residents who may be able to live independently, but need a bit of added support or want to live in a smaller and easier-to-manage home.

It is usually only available to those aged 55 and over.

The scheme would include a warden and support staff, 24-hour emergency help through an alarm system and would also provide social activities for residents.

Developers Docnor Developments have insisted they are taking great care with the “appearance to take elements of the adjacent block of flats to blend the proposal into the existing street scene and follows the general guidelines of the local authority’s policies.”

The plans have been validated by Castle Point Council and are currently being reviewed by planning officers who will make their recommendations to full council as to whether the proposal should be granted or denied.

View the application with 18/0035/FUL on Castle Point Council’s planning portal.