Campaigners have won a key victory in their battle to halt the tide of new flats in Leigh.
Plans for a five-storey block on the site of the historic Midel building in the Broadway have been rejected by Southend Council.
The development control committee threw out plans for 17 flats despite efforts by the architect to address concerns.
Mike Pregnall, head of planning services, said changes to the original design were not enough to ease fears that the large building would adversely affect the area.
Council leader Howard Briggs said the Broadway faced a "canyon" of high-rise buildings.
James Clinkscales (Lib Dem, Blenheim Park) said: "Leigh is getting overcrowded. Applicants are using the large blocks of flats already in the area as an excuse to build even more."
Published Thursday August 19, 2004
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