Castle Point councillors say they feel betrayed after plans for four two-bedroomed flats on green open space at Miramar Avenue on Canvey surfaced at a planning meeting this week.

The application was a slight adaption to controversial proposals for a housing development on the land adjacent to Chestnut Walk which was approved in March.

The original proposals for two houses came under fire from both residents and councillors earlier in the year as they wanted the land spared for recreation purposes. But outline planning permission was granted anyway in the face of opposition.

But now planning councillors have rejected a move to allow developers to change the plans from houses to flats.

Dave Blackwell (Ind, Canvey Island Central) said: "I think we've all been hoodwinked."

Jane King (Cons, Canvey Island Central) said: "If we keep filling in green areas we won't have any places left for children to play on Canvey."

Published Thursday September 2, 2004

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