PLANS for another new cafe in Leigh have been blocked by councillors.

Lizard Bars wanted to convert part of a 42 Broadway, in Leigh, into a cafe with outside eating area.

But members of Southend Council's development control committee said it was not an appropriate development for the area.

Fay Evans (Con, Belfairs) said: "The public are totally against any more cafes, restaurants or bars in Leigh Broadway and we are here to represent the public."

The company has submitted several similar plans to the council They have all been refused because councillors believe more of the building should be used for retail use and there is not enough parking.

Gwen Horrigan (Con, West Leigh) said: "This is a gross overdevelopment of this site right next to family homes.

"Victoria Road has many young families in the area.

"The town is becoming over-run by this type of development and we will have to call a halt at some point.

"In a conservation area the design proposed is fully out of character."

However, Mel Day, vice-chairman, said he thought the developers must know there is a need for a new cafe to make the development viable.

He said: "There is a cultural change going on and we can't stop that. The applicants must have done their research and found a market."

Councillors still voted against the plans for the change of use to a cafe and stopped the development of an outside eating area.