A planning inspector has given her backing to plans for 495 new homes in Basildon town centre, the first 265 of which will be be in towers of 23 and 18 storeys.

The consent, delivered by inspector Roisin Barrett, covers a site at the town square that was formerly occupied by a branch of Marks & Spencer. It also covers outline proposals for a further 230 homes on a second Town Square plot, subject to detailed approval.