Bosses have welcomed more homes in the area, despite a lack of affordable housing and concerns the homes will be targeted at London workers commuting from Southend. Carole Mulroney, councillor in charge of planning, said: “It’s the main gateway into the town. This will make the area a vibrant place 24 hours a day. “It’s a dead area at the moment and it needs lifting. It will create a whole new community. “It will be a terrific use of the building. The fact that there isn’t any affordable homes is a shame, but it won’t force Southenders out.