SIGNIFICANT concerns have been raised about the latest plans to build homes at a former customs office.

Harwich Town councillors hit out at the bid to build five homes on the parking and garage space at the Main Road site.

The two three-bedroom and three four-bedroom houses would be built on land neighbouring Bobbits Hole nature reserve in Dovercourt.

The plans came just weeks after an application to change the office into 37 flats, which said all 75 parking spaces would remain.

Councillor Garry Calver said: “The Harwich Society has no objections, however I have got significant concerns about this as ward councillor.

“I believe there will be 29 parking spaces for all of the flats remaining as a result of this application.

“This is not ten years down the line, this is before the original application has been brought to fruition. This application removes so much parking on the site.

“I propose we object as a council on the grounds of over development of the site.”

All nine councillors voted to object to the plans.

Charlie Powell, Harwich mayor, said: “I agree with Mr Calver - I don’t think you should be able to get something agreed and then not let it go through.”

Laurence Sandum, of Robertson Sands Eco Developments, said: “There are actually tonnes of parking spaces and there is more than enough room in the car park for 100 cars.

“There are 34 flats and every single one bedroom flat is getting one parking space and the five houses will have parking. Under permitted development we did not have to give any one parking spaces. But we are actually giving more than a normal application should have.”