A residents' association is furious it was not allowed to speak out about controversial plans for a multistorey car park when they were discussed at a council meeting.
Councillors reviewed proposals for a new 286-space multistorey car park at Southend's Kursaal amusement centre on the seafront and decided to defer it to full council at a later date.
The Woodgrange Residents' Association, which represents all the people living on the estate, wanted to voice its objections during the meeting, but was not allowed to because it had not given the statutory three days' notice of intent.
But the association said it was not given a chance to give notice, as it had never been consulted.
Association members found out about the planning application by reading about it in the Evening Echo newspaper.
The group contacted the council as soon they could but were told it was too late to have permission to speak at the meeting.
Chairman Marie Phillips said: "We live here all year round, not just seasonally, and as such we have the right to voice our opinions."
Published Friday July 23, 2004
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