Plans for a sports pavilion and bar in Leigh’s Blenheim Park have been shelved.

Catholic United Football Club, which plays at Wellstead Gardens, in Westcliff, had proposed moving to the park, and building a £430,000 pavilion, consisting of a clubhouse, changing rooms, function room, and a bar.

The unpopular plans were contested by residents and councillors who feared it would cause too much noise and disruption.

Residents had raised concerns at a public meeting called by Conservative councillors, with issues such as parking and noise from entertainment being raised by local families.

The possibility of parties taking place in the clubhouse, as well as parking woes and the loss of large parts of cherished parkland also worried residents.

Outline plans by the football club had included ideas for providing events for Mothers’ Day and Christmas.

Now the plans have been dropped after councillors convinced the Southend Council’s cabinet not to grant a lease to the football club.

Conservative councillor Floyd Waterworth said: ‘This is a victory for common sense. There has always been demand to replace the pavilion that used to be in the centre of the park to provide changing and toilet facilities for the many people that use the park on a weekly basis.

“However, this proposal also included a clubhouse with bar and dining facilities and this was just too much for residents to cope with, as they already have problems with parking in the road and reports that it can become gridlocked in Mountdale Gardens at certain times.”

When the plans were initially proposed in 2015, residents feared the parking situation in Blenheim Chase was already bad and the clubhouse would exacerbate that.

Concerns were also raised about noise coming from the pavilion during functions.

Mr Waterworth added: “Now we need to look at the problem of inconsiderate parking and what might be able to be done.”

A previous pavilion in the park was demolished.

Residents had called for better facilities for the park which backs on to Leigh fire station.

A Blenheim Chase resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It is a shame the council hasn’t provided better facilities for park residents.

“I would like to see that now. We need toilets and changing rooms there. We need proper facilities.”

Ward councillor James Courtenay previously called in the plans. He said: “I am not against there being some provision for changing facilities, nor a club house in the park.

“My concern is the lack of consultation.

“I was pleased to be able to get the matter referred back to the cabinet.”