A plan for giving a town centre shopping complex a major facelift has been put on hold.

A bid for a £1.5 million extension to Victoria Plaza in Southend was deferred by councillors on the advice of town planners due to a series of concerns.

However, councillors did back schemes for revamping the centre's footpaths and improving lighting and street furniture around the complex.

Assistant director of technical services Mike Pregnall said: "We have always seen this extension in principle as something that is very acceptable to the town and hopefully it would make the Plaza itself and this part of the town more attractive.

"However, there are some areas we want to discuss further."

Planning officers aim to contact Plaza bosses Bourne End to talk about several points about the extension, which include parking spaces and the building's design.

Officers believe there would be a shortage of spaces in the centre's car park after the extension is built.

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