A new sports bar in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, would be one too many restaurant bars for the area, members of Southend Council's development control committee decided when they refused plans to convert a derelict shop.

Technical services director David Watt said there were concerns about the number of non-retail uses if the application was agreed.

Hamlet Court Road has gone through a number of difficult years.

The council recently spent a large sum on improvements .

Committee chairman Daphne White said more top-rate shops were needed. But Verina Weaver (Con, West Shoebury), said she would rather see more restaurants and bars than empty shops and offices.

Published Thursday May 27, 2004

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