PLANS for a new budget supermarket in Eastwood are set to be thrown out in favour of a mini-business park.

Small industrial and commercial units look likely to replace the empty former Safestore, at the corner of Progress Road and Rayleigh Road, after planning officers gave plans the thumbs up and recommended rival proposals for a Lidl store for refusal.

Clive Lucas, who is representing a mystery Southend consortium behind the business park, said: “I’m delighted sense has prevailed. It’s good for local businesses and the local economy.”