PLANS to convert a car showroom in the heart of Leigh into a block of flats and offices have been rejected.

The proposals by Cousins Holdings to build nine flats in Rectory Grove were thrown out after councillors said they would damage the character of Leigh.

James Clinkscales (Lib Dem, Blenheim Park) said: "We all understand what Leigh is suffering, it's suffering a character transplant - almost.

"If we continue to do this type of building it will mean we will be damaging Leigh out of all recognition.

"This is a single-storey building made into a multi-storey building, with no parking."

Proposals for four flats on the site have already been approved, but councillors refused to accept the larger development.

Ron Price (Con, Prittlewell) added: "Obviously they are not getting the clue that we are not going to accept anything over four flats."

Alan Crystall (Lib Dem, Leigh) was most concerned about how the proposals would affect an area which already suffers from parking problems.

He said: "I have got really grave concerns over this application.

"Rectory Grove is one of the most dense car parking areas in the town.

"There is pressure on traders parking, most residents have no parking and commuters are now spreading away from the station and there's pressure from shoppers as well."

An appeal over a previous planning application for a four-storey block of ten flats on the site was rejected by the planning inspector.