More than 100 Billericay residents cheered triumphantly last night as plans to build 12 new flats in Western Road were thrown out.

The town's area committeeand local residents voicedstrong opposition to the multi-million pound development for over an hour at Billericay Day Centre, in Chantry Way.

Under the plans, two blocks of one and two-bedroomed flats would have been built, along with landscaping and a 13-space car park, on the corner of Western Road and Beaufort Road.

The plan was rejected following heated debate, including contributions from each of the eight councillors in attendance and two speeches from resident David Silk, whose property would have been overshadowed by the proposed scheme.

A previousset of plans to develop the site were also thrown out by the area committee last year citing over-development of the site, harm to the character of the area and the "impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring residents".

An appeal launched for the original plans was also rejected by an independent planning inspector.

Mr Silk said: "Why should the appeal inspector feel any different about this proposal? The changes are miniscule. I don't feel these changes will lessen the impact on us.

"If councillors felt the need to reject it the first time, then they must feel the same way about it now."

Published Friday, January 24, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo