CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a petrol station and replace it will a block of flats have been submitted to Southend Council, sparking fury from disgruntled residents.

Firm “Highway Stops Retail” is proposing to raze the current BP petrol station, on Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, the ground and build a four-storey block of 28 flats in its place.

Two shops would be included on the ground floor but residents have already raised concerns about the design of the flats and the impact on traffic on the busy road.

The proposals, initially unveiled as part of a consultation in 2023, were met with objections from residents who vowed to oppose the development.

Eastwood resident, Kimberley O’Connell, said: “I understand the importance and real need for more housing. However, I believe it is vital that it should be in keeping with the scene of the area. These flats will dominate that scene.

“We are also losing petrol stations all over.”

The 28 flats at the site would be split into 11 one-bedroom flats, 13 two-bedrooms, and four three-bedrooms. Just 23 parking spaces would be allocated for the 28 flats if plans are approved by Southend Council.

Resident Vanda Morgan added: ‘While I realise more housing is required, it seems that any building is closed and turned into flats.

“There is no infrastructure in place, it creates more cars on the roads, and more people needing already overcrowded doctors, and dentists.”

The developer defends the loss of the petrol station by claiming there are “several others nearby” but residents have insisted it is “essential” to those living in the area.

Eastwood resident Linda Barber said: “I feel they are taking away services away from the people and forcing unwanted overdevelopment of the area which cannot cope with need’s of the area. As it stands at the moment the schools are at breaking point the doctors surgeries are fully booked and unable to take on more patients, the hospital can barely cope.

“The roads are all grid locked and unable to cope with the amount of vehicles on them, “The whole situation is unsustainable. The garage is essential to the people need within the area.”