Residents vented their fury at plans to build a new block of flats, which they fear could cause their gardens to flood.

The proposals to construct 30 flats and three houses in Olive Avenue, Leigh, were discussed at a planning meeting held by Leigh Town Council.

Almost 30 angry residents crammed into the meeting to voice their concerns about the development, including the use of impermeable concrete.

Lisa Clark, who lives in Olive Avenue, was worried water could run off the concrete and flood her garden.

She said: "Our half of a semi-detached house collapsed due to water running under the house. There's a natural spring there and we are now built on a raft."

Town councillor Reta Cocks agreed that the site could overwhelm the mains sewage in the area, as well as leading to overdevelopment. She added: "This is a monstrosity. It's overdevelopment, it's overpowering, it's going to spoil everybody's outlook on that road.

"The designs are atrocious and all out of keeping with Leigh."

Concerns were also raised about badgers and mature trees on the site, as well as recycling issues which might arise.

Leigh Town Council rejected the plans and will pass their recommendations to Southend and Castlepoint councils who share border.