MORE than 750 people have signed a petition opposing plans to tear down a parade of shops and replace them with flats, offices and retail units.

Residents fear the proposed development in High Road, Benfleet, would block light to nearby homes and does not have adequate parking.

However, ward councillor Alf Partridge believes the proposal is inevitable because the developer, Linatrop, already has outline planning permission.

In total, 767 residents signed the petition against the plan and Castle Point MP Bob Spink has registered the document at the House of Commons.

Nearby resident, Brian Keeler, 74, the driving force behind the campaign, said: “It just goes to show the number of people who feel strongly about this.

“Benfleet is becoming a concrete corridor and we’d like to see what remains of the town stay as it is.”

Linatrop’s proposals would see the current two-storey building of five shops, and the flats above, replaced by a three-storey development featuring five bigger retail outlets, 14 flats and two offices.

The building would have 22 car parking spaces, which Mr Keeler believes is nowhere near enough.

Mr Keeler, of Greenwood Avenue, Benfleet, said: “There’s a problem with parking in the area at the moment and this will make it worse.

“Most people have two cars, so with 14 flats there should be at least 28 spaces, and that’s before you start with the shops and offices.”

The plans have also angered the parade’s tenants, which include the Unicef charity shop and Alf’s newsagents, as none have been offered the chance to stay.

This is Linatrop’s fourth attempt to redevelop the site in five years.

In 2007, it was given permission to replace the parade with 12 flats, four shops and an underground car park, but work never progressed.

However, councillor Partridge fears the development will go ahead regardless.

He said: “They’ve got outline planning permission, so the only way it’s going to be stopped is if a Government minister gets involved.

“It’s a great shame because it’s right opposite the church and is a lovely, peaceful area.”