Campaigners are gearing up for another battle against plans for 49 flats at the site of a car dealer showroom in Leigh which are expected to be approved by councillors.

Leigh Carport wants to replace the current buildings on the corner of London Road and Elm Road with a six-storey block.

It would have commercial premises and parking on the ground floor and 49 flats above.

Southend councillors will decide on the plans next week.

Planning officials have recommended the proposals for approval subject to certain conditions, such as 20 per cent of the flats being reserved for affordable housing.

The plan is opposed by the Love Leigh action group, which was set up to fight overdevelopment.

Spokeswoman Dawn Purkiss said: "We have stumbled into a nightmare. It seems flats are being built in every square inch of Leigh.

"Every resident should be concerned. We must take action."

The proposals are also opposed by Lib Dem councillor Peter Wexham.

He said: "This block goes up to six stories high which would fill up a space next to the Elms that has always been a visual open space with business buildings on the ground floor only. "

Terry Craymer, manager of Leigh Carport, said it made economic sense to build flats on the site. If the plans were approved the car showroom would relocate to a different site."

Love Leigh is appealing for more people to join the action group. For information, e-mail mail@loveleigh.org.uk