A seafront car park is to get 100 new parking bays and almost 20 new spaces for coaches after councillors granted planning permission for a major expansion.

The new bays will be added to the Gas Works car park, taking the number of spaces for cars from 169 to 269.

The number of coach bays will also be increased from 22 to 40.

Expanding the car park has been a priority for the council as they hope to relive concerns from seafront traders who feel their businesses are harmed by limited parking.

It has also been seen as vital if the Seaway car park, off Lucy Road, is to be redeveloped into a major leisure centre. The plans for the Seaway scheme currently sit with the secretary of state but could be granted planning permission this summer.

Prior to the meeting, some residents living near by raised concerns the increase in coach parking due to many drivers leaving engines running while parked.

Speaking at the meeting was the council’s deputy leader, Independent councillor Ron Woodley, who also oversees transport in the borough.

He said: “This is part of the car parking strategy being taken forward by this administration, it is to help parking on seafront and help local businesses in the area.

“I hope we can take this forward to help businesses and we will make sure the residents aren’t interfered with. That will include ensuring signs are placed telling coaches to switch off engines.”

A council officer also explained that ANPR camera will help to record which vehicles enter the site and “enforcement action” will be taken against those that break the rules.

Labour councillor Helen McDonald said: “We all know we need additional parking spaces on the seafront and that is being provided at the Gas Works but I think it is really important we keep in mind the residents who live near, especially those at the rear who are often forgotten.”

Shortly after the expansion was announced last month, the leader of Southend's Conservative Group raised concerns about the car park as it was originally given planning permission to operate as a car park for just five years.

However, the council's deputy leader Independent councillor Ron Woodley, claimed that it would remain as a car park for as long as the council wanted it.

He explained they have the ability to keep taking the car park back to the council's planning team for further extensions.

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the expansion.