A CHARITY has been told it cannot let another group use its new £2million centre after councillors refused permission.

Disability Essex wanted to allow the southern wing of their new base in Rocheway to be used by Eco Wings, a similar organisation which provides respite care and education for children and young adults with learning disabilities.

But at a planning meeting last night, Rochford district councillors voted 14 to five against the proposal, despite officers having recommended it.

The application was to have a condition of the original planning permission in June 2008, which said only Disability Essex could use the centre, removed.

*FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO.