PLANS to turn part of Canvey’s Silver Jubilee pub into flats have been refused, raising residents’ hopes proposals for further homes will also be rejected.

Morrisons applied to convert part of the ground and first floors of the former pub on the corner of Link Road and Hilton Road into two, one-bedroom flats.

But the application was turned down as parking spaces were not included in the scheme.

Castle Point Council’s refusal raised hopes an application by another developer, to build four family homes on the former pub’s 50-space car park, will also be refused.

Residents and councillors say the car park should be used by Morrisons, which has 17 spaces at the front of its M Local store.

Link Road resident John Smith, 75, said: “I am happy these plans have been refused.

“I will not object to anything that goes up there that is suitable for the area.

“They should have a car park there and Morrisons should have been able to unload lorries there.

“They may have to widen the road, or move the zebra crossing as the shop will be used all the time.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Independent Party, said: “I am not surprised Castle Point turned down the application.

Morrisons is trying to squeeze every penny it can out of the site.

“If the houses are approved, they are going to cause quite a dangerous exit on to a busy main junction. There is a school next door.’’ Mr Blackwell added: “I am pleased the council has actually looked at the parking policy, as sometimes we do argue. I am pleased it has said enough is enough.”

Castle Point officers felt the lack of spaces would lead to residents parking on the roads and causing more congestion and safety concerns.

Mr Blackwell said he believed this will pave the way for the car park homes being refused by Castle Point’s development committee tomorrow.

A Morrisons spokesman said: “We will take on board the comments from the planning officer and hope to submit a revised application shortly.”