CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after controversial plans to replace a home overlooking the Thames Estuary in Leigh with “eyesore” flats were thrown out.

The plan would have seen 135, Marine Parade demolished and seven flats built in its place.

The home has links to Dame Vera Lynn who is touted to have once lived in the property.

Residents who previously branded the plans a “monstrosity” have welcomed Southend Council’s decision to reject the plan.

But applicants, Peter Hill and Paul Miller, are looking at redesigning the plans to resolve issues highlighted by the council.

Louisa Wright, who lives near Chalkwell Station said: “I woke up very happy this morning.

“I do feel for whomever has put the permission forward because they’re trying to develop but you can’t just come in and build an eyesore that’s not in keeping with the road.

“I’m happy that it’s not going ahead but it seems inevitable that there will be flats there.”

Emma Buckley moved from Leigh to Westcliff to escape the overdevelopment of the town.

She said: “The last 15 years I’ve really seen a ramp up of over development in the area.

“I don’t want Leigh to lose the heart it has.

“Once one developer starts on that area, more will undoubtedly follow.

“I’m not against housing, just over development. I hope the council continues to make sensible choices for the town.”

Plans had previously been approved to convert the home into six flats but issues in the conversion saw developers put in another application to demolish the home instead.

The project was refused on Monday due to its “excessive scale” which bosses say would have a “significant detrimental impact” on the character and appearance of the site.

It was also feared the new homes would impact the wider area and would be an over scaled addition that isn’t in keeping with the street.

Raymond Wright, who is moving to the area next month said: “I’m over the moon that they have turned it down but it just begs the question of how long for.

“People don’t want seven flats in an already populated area.

“I think that cases like this are really beneficial. If that got the go ahead, developers start purchasing other buildings on that road and then build flats on that land.”