Plans for a French-style bistro on the site of one of Billericay's oldest stores are unacceptable, the town's councillors have ruled.

They insist that proposals for a restaurant in the Kitts DIY site would harm the vitality of the high street and cause traffic congestion.

The planning issue has now been passed to Basildon Council's environment committee - once more delaying the DIY store owner's future plans.

David Baxter wants to move as he says his business has now outgrown its current site.

At a meeting of the Billericay area committee, Councillor Peter Patrick (Con, Billericay East) said he was frustrated by the recommendation that planning permission should be granted.

He said: "I know we are not supposed to criticise officers, and I respect their technical expertise, but I find the whole thing appalling.

"We are supposed to have influence on planning matters but no-one takes a blind bit of notice of councillors or residents' opinion.

Mr Patrick added: "I would like to see our officers go out and ask the people of Billericay how many restaurants we want in the High Street.

"They don't because they know what the answer will be."

A French company, which owns several restaurants in France, wants to transform the DIY shop into a coffee and croissant snack bar and French-themed family restaurant.

Councillor Steven Horgan (Con, Billericay West) said: "I have asked people what they think of the plans for Kitts and the response is 100 per cent against food outlets.

"Do we want a shopping street or a High Street which is an extended food court?"

Prime site - developers wanted to turn this D-I-Y store into a French-style eaterie

Picture: NICK ANSELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.