CONTROVERSIAL plans to build flats on a timber yard, which has been run by the same family for more than 50 years, have been shelved.

Plans to build 11 two bedroom and 13 one bedroom flats on the site of Ashton's timber yard, High Road, Laindon, were due to be considered by Basildon Council this month.

But residents living nearby have received letters from the planning authority confirming the application has been withdrawn by the Ashton family.

Danny Ashton, 51, said: "The plan wasn't right. The main problem was there wasn't enough parking.

"We had 28 spaces, but we'll need a few more when we put in another application.

"In the meantime we'd like to stress the timber yard isn't closing. This is a long term plan which could take years. It will be business as usual until that day."

The family plans to re-submit an application, for a similar number of flats, with more parking spaces, at the first possible opportunity.

Ashton's was opened by Joseph and Annie Ashton in the late 1950s.

Joseph died 12 years ago, but Annie, 80, and her sons Joe, 53, and Danny, 51, still run the business.

Neighbour June Hendrick, 68, of High Road, Laindon, said: "It will be a shame to see them go because Ashton's timber yard has been around such a long time.

"If they re-submit I won't have a major problem, as I know young people need places to live.

"But I would be worried about all that extra traffic pulling out onto the main road. The congestion is bad enough as it is."