WICKFORD: Anger at yet more town centre flats

A RESTAURANT owner is drawing up a petition against plans to build a block of flats next to his business.

Developers have put in plans for nine apartments and a ground floor eatery on the site of the former Wickford Angling Centre, in London Road.

However, John Man, owner of the Lon Wah Restaurant, said work has just finished on a separate development at the back of his premises and he does not want to face further disruption.

"We've already had a huge block of flats built behind our businesses, which caused us a huge amount of inconvenience," he said.

"I'm not opposed to Wickford's regeneration but this isn't a suitable location for more building."

Developers have submitted plans to Basildon District Council showing a five-storey block slotted into the narrow site at the end of the High Street.

As well as the six two-bed flats and three one-bed flats they also plan to add an extra six car parking spaces to the site.

But Mr Man, who has worked at his family restaurant for nearly 40 years, said: "We have a good community here and everyone is very helpful.

"But there isn't the space for this development."

He said he was opposed to the disruptions that would stem from any building work.

"When the last block of flats was built here the gas supply was interrupted several times," he said.

"We also have to put up with all the construction vehicles squeezing into the yard at the back."

Mr Man is now considering starting a petition with fellow traders to oppose the new building.

A spokesman for the firm behind the plans, Invent:ID, said: "We hope the building will integrate as well as possible with the surroundings and be a welcome addition to Wickford."

The application will be decided by planning councillors on March 17.