Campaigners have won victory in their battle to stop plans for a ten-storey block of flats in the heart of Leigh which were branded a "giant Martello tower".

Councillors rejected proposals for the flats, a community hall and offices on the site of the former St Clement's Church Hall, in Rectory Grove, Leigh.

Southend Council's development control committee was told of 137 letters of objection to the plan from residents who were concerned about the impact on the character of the area.

Planning officials had recommended refusal because the proposals would be too bulky for the site and would result in overlooking of the adjoining St Clement's Court.

A small number of objectors cheered as councillors threw out the proposals.

Jim Clinkscales (Lib Dem, Blenheim) said: "Leigh is Leigh and we do not want it looking like the New York skyline.

"Now we are getting yet another example of over-development which is just not suitable for the site.

"This is a building which could be acceptable in some locations in the town, but it is not suitable for Leigh. Residents are totally against this and I think we have to fight their cause."

Gwen Horrigan (Con, West Leigh) said it would give the impression of a "giant Martello Tower" when viewed by anyone coming into the town.

John Lamb (Con, West Leigh) said the building which was being proposed by the developers just did not fit into Leigh.

He said: "This is just going one step too far and is not suitable for the area. It will have a major impact on the residents of St Clement's Court who are entitled to their privacy and should not have to suffer from overlooking on this scale or the mass of the building which is being proposed."

Developers New Town Builders, trading as Beaumont Homes, said the building was designed as "an expressive form of architecture".

Peter Dolby, chairman of Leigh Town Council, said he was delighted, but not surprised at the decision.

He said: "We will now have to watch what they do next. They may come back with something else or they may appeal. Any plans which come to us for the site will be considered as and when we receive them."