Plans to build nine flats and a restaurant in Southend's High Street have been rejected by councillors.

Members of the development control committee decided to turn it down over fears that a lack of parking spaces would cause a problem in the town centre.

Planning officers had recommended the sch-eme for approval.

Developers wanted to convert the rear of the building next to the Tomassi's restaurant to form a new restaurant on the ground floor. They also planned an extension to the rear and four one-bedroom flats and five two-bedroom flats above, with access at the back of the building.

Councillor Ann Robertson (Conservative, Milton) said: "I cannot agree with this scheme which is fraught with problems.

"We are losing car parks left right and centre in the town. If this keeps happening, in the end we will have nothing to offer people who want to come into Southend."

A letter from councillor Jonathan Garston (Conservative, Milton) was read out at the meeting.

It said that residents found it difficult enough to find spaces around that area already and this scheme would cause even more problems.

Councillors unanimously voted against the plans on the grounds of overdevelopment.