A row has developed over new furniture for Tendring's cramped council chamber.
Despite calls to spend the money on residents rather than comfort, it was decided to spend £15,000 on the replacement chairs and tables.
A report to Tendring Council's resources and regeneration board said: "The current furniture has been in use for a number of years and it is difficult to move and not flexible in accommodating different arrangements."
Tom Cook (Lab and Co-op, St Marys) said there was no way he would support the expense, but John Evans (Con, Holland and Kirby) described the chamber at Weeley as the worst he had experienced.
The report said: "The purchase of modern adaptable furniture for the council chamber will enable the layout to be more easily adapted for different meetings and meet the fire safety requirements."
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