Campaigners are set to score the first victory in their battle to stop a block of flats in the Midel building in Leigh Broadway.

Southend councillors are being recommended to refuse planning permission for the flats and shops after a decision was put off in July.

However, the council's development control committee, which meets next Wednesday, has been warned new plans could be put forward, possibly involving the Midel site and the next door car wash.

David Watts, director of technical services, said the car wash owners were considering redevelopment.

The Midel flats plan on its own would interfere with the outlook from their site, he said, and a joint application for redevelopment of both sites could be lodged.

However, Mr Watts added: "Councillors have been concerned about the level of redevelopment locally in terms of density and traffic considerations."

Councillors are being recommended to refuse the Midel application because its bulk and location was poorly related to existing developments.

Published Wednesday August 11, 2004

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