CHALKWELL Avenue – one of the area’s most picturesque roads – is under threat as developers are set to move in and capitalise on the big family houses.

Two planning applications have been submitted to Southend Council which local residents say, if passed, could destroy its character.

They feel these could open the floodgates to more developments along Chalkwell Avenue. One application, just submitted, is for the demolition of a family house a 129 Chalkwell Avenue and the building of a block of flats.

With the other, to be considered tomorrow (Wednesday) Harlpink Homes Ltd want to demolish the bungalow at 108 Chalkwell Avenue – on the eastern side just before the rail line – and build a block of three flats. The indications are, though, that councillors will accept the planning officers’ recommendation and reject the application.

They say the proposal is detrimental to visual amenities and out of character with the prevailing character of the street block which is characterised by detached bungalows.

There was an outcry when a planning application was passed some years ago to convert the detached house to flats on the opposite side of the road on the corner of Chalkwell Avenue and the Ridgeway.

Since then this part of Chalkwell Avenue has escaped the attentions of the developers – but now there are fears that if either of these applications are given the go-ahead a number of other homes in the avenue could be under threat.