CONTROVERSIAL plans for a £50million seafront leisure complex will face no investigation into their impact on the environment, it can be revealed.

Southend Council planners have decided no environmental impact assessment will be required before the huge cinema and leisure development proposals go ahead on Seaway car park, off Lucy Road, in Southend.

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Leading seafront traders believe the development - by Turnstone Estates - would be “over-dominant” and may adversely impact on the town’s heritage “assets”, such as the Kursaal.

However, investigations were carried out on the current car park site prior to the council’s decision, including a heritage assessment, ecological appraisal, a tree survey and a transport assessment.

The Stockvale Group, owners of Adventure Island, said there would be “significant socio-economic effects”, and claimed the development was “overly dominant”.

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Following the decision, Philip Miller, executive chairman of Stockvale, said: “That’s no less than we expected...when it comes to this particular planning application.

“Right from the start, they have shown exceptional levels of bias to Turnstone.

“How can this size of development not need an environmental impact assessment?

“I’m sure when all the dust has settled, the truth will come out and I wonder who will still be there to take the rap?”

However, Tim Deacon, managing director of Turnstone, welcomed the news.

He said: “We are pleased with the decision of the officers.

“The scheme is a real win-win that will not only support local business, but give everyone in Southend the opportunity to enjoy new facilities, including an IMAX cinema, Hollywood Bowl, indoor golf, climbing.

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“We have worked very hard over the last few years to evolve the scheme in response to feedback from consultees and following the rigorous testing we are proud to propose Seaway Leisure to transform the site from an underused carpark with a history of anti-social behaviour to a year-round destination for a fun family fun.”

Planning rules state an environmental assessment is not required unless the development “is on significantly greater scale than the previous use”. The council said it considered the development “would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment”. It added: “Therefore an environmental impact assessment is not required to be submitted.”

The report reveals police initially raised concerns over security at the site and offered to give advice.