More than 100 campaigning residents are expected to meet with council chiefs next month in a bid to halt a £160,000 extension to Pitsea Market.

Angry householders will call on councillors to back them in their fight to stop the development and throw out the plans.

Pitsea Market owner London and Cambridge has applied to build a 600-space car park on open space at Gifford Green. Residents have slammed the plans as "unnecessary" and have vowed to fight to save the land.

Local councillor David Abrahall has thrown his weight behind residents.

Residents will meet with councillors on Tuesday September 7 before the proposals go before the council's East Basildon area committee on September 8.

Mr Abrahall, Labour member for Pitsea West, said: "The market is continuing the deterioration of Pitsea shopping centre.

"It's a needless application and there seems to be an ulterior motive. Most days the car park is empty. I will be supporting the residents unless anyone can persuade me otherwise."

Market manager Frank Nash said he understood residents' disquiet but denied there was an ulterior motive behind the application.

He said: "If the planners give us consent for a car park for use on market days, I cannot see it as a step towards housing."

Residents are furious the one piece of green land in the area may be concreted over.

Householder Peggy Harris, 57, said: "Our argument is that there is already enough car parking spaces and besides, the proposed car park is too far away from the market."

The public meeting will be held at St Gabriel's Community Hall in Gifford Green, starting a 7pm.

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