PLANS for 19 flats and six shops at the Rayleigh Asda site have been withdrawn.

Developers Project Coral have said it wanted to make changes to its plan, which was due to be examined by Rochford district councillors last night.

Bosses will resubmit a modified application in the next few weeks, taking into account the concerns raised by residents and council officers.

Neighbours near the site, off Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh, feared a pub or takeaway could move into the site because a range of possible uses had been requested for the shops.

District council officers recommended the plan was refused by councillors due to lack of parking or affordable housing and the possibility of increased noise and disturbance.

Ben Ellis of Planning Potential, planning advisors for Project Coral, said: “We are keen to address the concerns that were raised.”