A CONTROVERSIAL block of flats are set to be built in the middle of Canvey High Street...three years after winning permission.

Castle Point Council and Canvey Town Council objected to plans submitted in March 2013 for 14 two bedroom flats.

The block, a mix of two and three storeys, will be built close to C & J Autos and next door to a Costcutter supermarket and Murco petrol station.

The site is currently used by Sponge Bob Car Wash and Valeting Service - and concerns have been raised it is not the right location for homes.

The borough council threw the plans out in March 2014 -but applicant Pemican Ltd appealed against the decision, arguing that the new building would not cause over development and would be sustainable.

The appeal was allowed and the development was given permission by a Government planning inspector in July 2014.

Since then, progress appears to have stalled.

However, Pemican Ltd has started to submit the details required as part of conditions of planning permission being granted.

The conditions, which are common on planning applications, include details about site contamination, what materials are to be used, and how surface water will be drained.

Peter Greig, Canvey Independent Party councillor for the island’s Winter Gardens ward, said he was “appalled” by the Government’s decision to allow the application.

He said: “We don’t need any more buildings, especially blocks of flats, until a third road off the island is built.

“The way we are going the whole island is going to be gridlocked.”

He criticised the planning inspectorate for backing the application without listening to residents on the island.