Residents have objected to a planning proposal to demolish an empty supermarket and build 13 flats in its place.

The planning application was submitted by London-based real estate company Acquisia Investments earlier this month.

The company proposes to demolish an old supermarket, in High Road Benfleet, and build a three-storey building with 13 apartments.

Residents in Thundersley Park Road have submitted their objections to council, citing lack of privacy and traffic as the main reasons.

One resident said: “Parking is always a problem and with only one car space per flat there is no room for visitors or two car families. We already have problems with people parking in the access road please review and take these point into consideration.”

Another resident said: “I strongly object to the size of this block because my bedroom windows are just 16 feet from this building.

“I will be able to see into their flats and they will see into mine.

“Our privacy will be invaded for both blocks and our garden will be affected by a towering brick wall and with their access to the roof we will feel in danger of falling objects.”

The current premises has been vacant since February.

The store was previously a Somerfield before it was bought by the Co-Operative Group in 2008 and re-branded as a Co-Op supermarket.

The last owners of the shop was Budgens Food Retailer Group.

Councillor Jeffrey Stanley, conservative councillor for Boyce, welcomed the proposal saying it will help with the housing problem in the borough.

He said: “We know that there’s a shortage of houses and starter homes. For example when starter homes were built in London Road they were sold out before phase two of construction.

“When people first hear about planning applications quite often they will object. But when they see the finish product they are quite happy with it.

“The council has very high level standards of requirements for building new houses, residents can be assured of the quality of the design.”