Angry councillors have demanded action to stop the 'rape' of Billericay High Street.

With more of the town centre's traditional retailers being forced out to make way for restaurants and take-aways, the Billericay area committee has insisted immediate action is vital to protect the centre's unique character.

The issue came to a head last week, when the committee steadfastly refused to grant permission for Kitts Hardware to be turned into the High Street's 25th hot food outlet, in spite of the protests of council officers.

The shop lies outside the stretch of the High Street designated as primary shopping frontage under the Basildon District Local Plan, meaning that changes of use normally have to be nodded through, leaving councillors powerless.

Cllr Geoffrey Buckenham told the meeting: "Billericay still has quite a unique character which is envied by many other towns and villages in Essex and I think it's a great pity that the law allows this rape of Billericay High Street."

Cllr Gilda Bellard agreed: "Our High Street is being destroyed. Why aren't we being listened to? Why can't we do anything about it?"

Residents also expressed their concern that a restaurant on the site would create unacceptable levels of noise and smell.

Rather than reject the application outright, however, councillors have agreed to defer the matter until a special area committee meeting can be held to examine the vitality of the High Street and find a solution to the problem.

Council officers insisted that if the application was rejected it could lay the council open to costs on appeal.

This, they say, would leave no choice but to take the issue out of the hands of the area committee and take it to the council's regeneration and environment committee for a decision.

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