DEVELOPERS have applied to build a four-storey block of flats in the centre of Wickford.

The modern design, containing 18 homes, has been proposed for a car park behind the Willows Shopping Centre.

An outline planning application for the block of two-bed flats was submitted in March, and consultations were sent out to people living and working near the site on Friday.

There has been disappointment from families who live near the car park, which shoppers use to reach the Willows Centre as well as the High Street.

Karen Dean, of Market Avenue, said she wanted to start a petition to stop Wickford gaining its latest large development.

The 42-year-old said: "It is like a concrete jungle around here.

"Our privacy is completely gone."

With more homes being built next to Wickford's swimming pool in Market Avenue, residents are feeling hemmed in.

Mrs Dean added: "The new development would bring a lot more traffic. It is overdevelopment."

Neighbour Elizabeth McSweeney said: "We are not happy. We have already had this big development next door. With these new flats we feel like we are being blocked in.

"Everyone here feels the same. It will be an eyesore and it will affect our quality of life."

Traders are also worried that building flats in the centre of town could hit businesses.

Mike Newell, the owner of ACL Locksmiths which adjoins the car park, said: "It's overdevelopment. There are the flats in the High Street that they can't sell.

"Customers won't be able to park. If they start doing that I might just pack up and go."

The outline application submitted to Basildon Borough Council by developers MCB Ltd, Metropolitan & Country Group, estimates that only six car parking spaces will be lost, though some may be reserved for residents.

The Gazette approached the developer's agents, LAP architects and interior designers, who were unable to provide a comment

Cllr Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for the environment, said councillors were yet to study the plans in detail, but added: "We do want to see more residential building in the town, both for economic reasons and to provide housing in non-green belt."