A DEVELOPER has accused councillors of "nimbyism" after they turned down his plans for a controversial new development.

Rochford District Council's development control committee rejected the scheme for seven flats and one house on the site of Lakeside, formerly Willow Lodge in Downhall Road, Rayleigh.

The proposal was backed by planning officers, but had met with strenuous opposition from residents living in Lakeside, a road off Down Hall Road.

Peter Wislocki, one of the architects and developer of the scheme, said: "A number of members paid little or no regard to the policies of both their own council and national Government, and sided with a vocal group of residents whose views amounted to Not in My Back Yard or Nimby for short.

"Even some of the scheme's opponents acknowledged its high design quality, but it was clear some council members were determined to reject the proposal on any grounds they could contrive.

"It is unfortunate council taxpayers will have to cover the cost of fighting an appeal which - as the council's own officers made clear during the meeting - is likely to overturn the committee's decision."