CROWN Street is set to be transformed with a multi-million development of shops and flats.
The plans, led by Paul Mecklenburgh, father of TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh involve the demolition of the existing building at the corner of Hart Street and Crown Street and the subsequent construction of a three-storey building of 14 flats and shop – dubbed TOWIE Towers.
The proposal, first revealed in the Gazette in December 2011, was rejected by Brentwood Borough Council's planning development control and licensing committee in July after members decided it would be too large.
But last night's (Wednesday's) planning meeting voted give the go head to the revised plans - significantly smaller than those for a development of a four-storey building, comprising a mixed use development of 17 flats and ground floor shops and food outlets
Despite Crown Street's unique atmosphere, for more than three years its entrance has been marred by the former bike shop, previously owned by Paul and Gill Banyard, whose daughter Kim was murdered in 2003.
The shop continued to operate until at least 2006.
Lin Heath, is one Crown Street trader who has welcomed the go-ahead.
The owner of French Quarter said: "Personally I'm very happy that that's been passed it should be vast improvement for this road.
"I think all the traders down here would agree with me.
"We've been living with that dilapidated site for many years.
"Apart from anything else it is a deterrent for people to walk down here. When shoppesr look down Crown Street from the High street all they can often see are lorries parked in the bay and the dilapidated remains of the building on the corner.
"Something has needed to be done there for years."
