PLANS to turn a row of 17th century cottages into a restaurant have met with opposition from residents and businesses.

The listed cottages in Church Street, Rayleigh, are currently empty office space.

Five letters of objection have been receieved by Rochford District Council from residents in Rayleigh High Street and the occupiers of premises adjoining the Forge.

The neighbours are worried about invasion of privacy, noise and lighting nuisance, as well as inadequate access and parking.

Rayleigh Chamber of Trade has also raised an objection and said the consensus of current traders is the building should for kept for office or retail use.

Chamber chairman Carl Watson said: “Even though the planning application that has gone in is for empty office space and is not taking away retail space, we have had such an influx of restaurants there has to be a point where enough is enough.

“I feel the structure in the town which brings people in is changing from a retail industry to a service industry.

The change over the past two years has been quite tremendous.

“To remain viable, you have to have an even mix of retail and service. “It has to get to a point where we look at the town as a whole.”

One letter of support was received from a resident in Nelson Road, who said at first sight the plans looked like a good use for the building.

The proposals will go before councillors at the development control committee on July 22.