A leading Southend businessman has criticised a report on the town’s future development plans, fearing that a shortage of parking has not been addressed.

Hundreds of new homes and new leisure developments are planned in the town centre, which many believe will put a strain on the town’s roads and car parks.

Philip Miller, owner of Adventure Island and the Sealife centre, said a Government Inspector’s approval of the Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP) would not prevent seasonal gridlock in the town centre and seafront.

He said: “We are still reading and considering this report, however at this early stage it does appear that Southend Council has provided no solution to the dire shortage of parking that constantly leads to gridlock in the town which is appalling for local residents and does nothing for tourism.”

While approving much of the plan, which lays out development in town centre over the next five years, inspector Mike Fox did call for amendments.

These included replacement car parking capacity to be found “within ten minutes walking distance of the seafront” when prospective developments, such as the Seaway leisure complex in Lucy Road, are approved.

Mr Fox also approved of the council’s bid to encourage more public transport with schemes such as park and and ride, saying it was in line with Government policy.

Paul Thompson, chairman of the Southend Seafront Traders Association said: “My initial view of the report is that the plan is not sound unless the modifications called for by the inspector are imposed.

“It is quite significant though that developments going forward must replace car parking capacity.” Martin Richardson, owner of the Happidrome arcade on Marine Parade said: “All areas need new development but it has to be done properly. I believe these plans will have a serious detrimental effect on the town centre and seafront.”