PUBLIC concern has forced a developer to scale down plans to build shops and flats next to the new Asda store in Rayleigh.

Project Coral has announced it is cutting back proposals for the former Park School site, in response to concerns raised by residents living nearby.

The original scheme proposed 19 flats and six shops, but was withdrawn after Rochford District Council planning officers opposed it.

Company spokesman Nic Morgan said: “At present, we have our architects working on revised plans.”

Mr Morgan said revisions included more gardens for residents and fewer flats – 16 instead of 19.

The company now proposes just five shops and has no plans to include pubs or takeaways.

Mr Morgan added: “Once again, it has always been Project Coral’s intention to provide a vibrant shopping facility with no vacancies.

“It would benefit neither the developer, nor the public if an overly restrictive planning consent led to shops being unoccupied.”

Mr Morgan said the company also supported the idea of one of the shops becoming a dental surgery.

With fewer flats, he added, the 24 parking space proposed would fit the council’s minimum parking standards.