THE former leader of Castle Point Council pressured councillors to back housing plans for his son and holidayed in a developer’s Barbados villa three times, a damning report reveals.

Tory Norman Smith, who resigned earlier this month, attempted to convince several councillors to support a planning application submitted by his son Lewis last year.

The scathing report revealed how he had jetted off to a developer’s villa in Barbados three times, insisting he paid £8,500 for his family to use it.

Bernard Litman, who owns the villa, then submitted a planning application for 15 flats on Canvey High Street.

Fearing the plans would be rejected, Mr Smith requested for a Government inspector to further inspect the plans.

The former leader was found to have “attempted to secure an advantage for his friend.”

But Norman Smith insists he regrets his actions surrounding his son’s planning application, and in hindsight, “wouldn’t do it again.”

Read more: 'I don't need a free villa holiday' - 'Millionaire' ex-council leader's response in full

Dave Blackwell, independent councillor of the Canvey Central ward, slammed Mr Smith for his improper actions. He said: “He has brought Castle Point Council into disrepute, there’s no doubt about it.

“It’s not like he’s a backbencher, he’s as high as it gets. I’m gobsmacked, I had no idea about the holidays abroad.

“There’s no longer any trust in councillors to make any proper decision. Officers also can’t trust councillors to make the right decision.”

Norman Smith also attended garden parties and barbecues held by Mr Litman, to generate funds for the Castle Point Conservatives.

The report, produced by solicitors Wilkin Chapman, explained how Mr Smith had been responsible for pressuring three councillors to throw their weight behind his son’s plans.

Councillor Pat Haunt, Charles Mumford, and Bill Dick all say they were told to vote to approve the plans.

The chief executive of the council, David Marchant, who lost his battle with cancer this month, was also told upon the rejection of the son’s plans “there must be a middle way to resolve this” and “can you see if there is a way through this for me please”, by Mr Smith.

A separate application saw the council leader’s son, Luke, submit proposals to knock down his home and rebuild it, with Mr Smith “attempting to secure an advantage.”

The report reads: “Councillor Smith did attempt to confer on or secure an advantage for Bernard Litman. His actions were improper due to his interests.

“His actions were a breach of the council’s Protocol and Code of conduct for planning matters.

“Councillor Smith did have a non-pecuniary interest in the planning application on high street, Canvey, by reason of a close association with the developer. By lobbying members and officers he attempted to confer on or secure an advantage for his son and Mr Litman.”