THE planned expansion to the Sea-Life Adventure attraction on Southend seafront has been called off.

Philip Miller, executive chairman of the Stockvale Group, that owns Adventure Island and the aquarium, said that regretfully the plans will not go ahead.

He said: "After believing a deal had finally been made, we heard that Southend Council had agreed to develop the old Dizzyland site with 285 flats.

"We believe nowhere near enough parking spaces are being provided as part of this project, and that the overflow would inevitably be swallowed up by the car park next to the Sea-life Adventure.

"Taking into account the proposed development of Seaway Car Park – which will also eat up what's left of the already overstretched seafront car parking - left us with the feeling that our deal had been devalued.

"At that point we asked Southend Council for improved terms and/or replacement car parking.

"Unfortunately neither was forthcoming, so despite determined efforts on both sides to hatch a deal we had to withdraw from going ahead with this particular development.

"We fully understand the council’s position of having to get the best deal for the ratepayers of Southend; however we are very sad this development will not now go ahead. Our decision is based on head over heart thinking.”

Southend Council rebuffed the claim that they are not supporting businesses.

Council leader, Ron Woodley, said: "Southend is open for business and absolutely supports its local business community and economy.

"However, we must balance this with our duty to the local taxpayer to agree a fair commercial rent for what would be an expanded facility and business on prime council owned land. 

"This would be true in any commercial negotiations with any private company. In the current economic climate and in the face of continued Government cuts, this is more important than ever.

“Negotiations over this issue with the Stockvale Group do appear to have come to a close after a great deal of time and effort has been invested on both sides in trying to get this development out of the blocks. 

"Whilst it is a great shame that it appears that the development will not now be forthcoming, we do of course respect Stockvale’s commercial decision.

“However the door always remains open for further discussions, and we will continue to support the Sealife Adventure enhancements if mutually acceptable terms can be agreed.

“It is also worth highlighting that the council does not own and is not developing the former Dizzyland site, and that this site has been lined up for a number of years for private development and investment, pre-dating any plans to extend Sealife Adventure.”