RESIDENTS in Frinton have spoken out against plans by a property developer to build yet more flats in the quaint coastal town.Goodmayes Estates has re-submitted plans to demolish two houses in Harold Road and replace them with a 12-flats development, despite being knocked back with its original application last year.

RESIDENTS in Frinton have spoken out against plans by a property developer to build yet more flats in the quaint coastal town.

Goodmayes Estates has re-submitted plans to demolish two houses in Harold Road and replace them with a 12-flats development, despite being knocked back with its original application last year.

The plans have been branded “gross overdevelopment” by people living nearby and town mayor Terry Allen said the Frinton's unique style and “mystique” should be protected.

Mr Allen, of the Tendring First party, said there was grave concern among residents about the way the developments in the town were “creeping” up from the seafront into well-established residential areas such as Harold Road.

He said: “It's creeping into the family homes of the area. If we don't object and stop these flats being built we're going to end up with every house down there being turned in to flats.”

He said families should be encouraged to move in to the town and more three or four bedroom houses needed to be built instead of “bland, corporation-looking flats” that would make the town look like any other.

Mr Allen said: “The more you go up the roads the whole place loses its character and uniqueness and that's the reason why people come to Frinton.

“All it's got is the sea and the greensward. People come here for what it hasn't got - that's why it is so popular. It's not a seaside town, it's a town by the sea and that's why we have thousands of people come here every summer.”

Ivan Jacklin, 71, whose house in Harold Grove backs on the planned development site, said the flats would remove any privacy he and his neighbours currently have.

He said: “Developers just see a quick buck. We don't want all these apartment blocks cropping up that will only be used for half the year. It's a gross overdevelopment.”

Charles Harrison, of the Frinton Residents' Association, said the plans, if approved, would be just another set of flats for an area of the town that had already lost many family homes to new developments.

He said: “This is a constant fight against developers. It's about developers buying buildings, knocking them down and building new sites - they don't care a damn about keeping Frinton as Frinton.

“What are we going to have in 20 years' time? We're trying to preserve a beautiful environment and ensure our grandchildren have the opportunity to have it nice.”

The plans have been submitted to Tendring District Council and its developmental control committee will have the final say on the matter.

Last night, nobody from Goodmayes Estates or local agent Design and Development were available for comment.