PLANS for 20 flats at a popular former church hall site have been unanimously opposed by Leigh Town Council.

The town council's planning committee voiced a resounding "no" to the proposals for the site in Rectory Grove which was formerly occupied by St Clement's Church hall.

Developers had submitted their fourth set of plans for a building between three and seven storeys high, with the flats above a community hall.

However, despite constant revisions, the plans did not go down any better with residents or councillors.

Many residents from the neighbouring St Clement's Court block of flats expressed concerns about loss of privacy and overlooking from the building.

One said: "There will be quite extensive overlooking from windows and balconies.

"It's like a Spanish hotel. We are also worried the recreation area will be noisy."

Some people raised concerns about whether the community hall would remain for public use for and not be turned into shops.

Others were also worried the cars from the extra flats would add to traffic problems in the area.

Another resident said: "It is difficult entering Rectory Grove as it is.

"It is a dangerous junction on a fast and busy road."

Councillors agreed with the public comments and said the new application had not addressed their previous objections.

Carole Mulroney (Elms) said: "It is a totally overpowering development and I don't like the design at all."

Jean Rowswell (Highlands) said: "It's much too big. It's going to create another block and we shall end up with a whole row of blocks of flats. It will wreck what we've got left of Leigh."

Peter Dolby (St Clement's) also had concerns about how rubbish from the proposed flats would be stored and collected.

Committee chairman Pat Holden (Highlands) said the flats were in a prominent position and would create a "blot on the horizon".

Southend Council will make the final decision on the application.