CONCERN surrounds plans to build extra floors and apartments above shops in Brentwood High Street - after they narrowly won approval.

Proposals were given the go-ahead by Brentwood Council to build two floors and six flats above Oxfam and Santander’s town centre branches.

However, some on the planning committee felt the development would be too overbearing.

The application was pushed through following 7-6 vote.

Brentwood South ward councillor, Labour’s Julie Morrissey, said: “I would have welcomed a smaller, less imposing development. This application was simply too high and too much.

“In my opinion it will create a tunnel effect at the entrance to the niche little shopping parade in Crown Street and spoil what is currently a lovely Victorian terrace.”

Bosses from the developers, Dev Properties, said they had carefully considered the plans with plenty of consultation beforehand.

Sam Metson, from Bidwells, who are acting as agents on behalf of the developers, said: “Our discussions included consulting widely with planning officers and ward members.

“We are satisfied we have addressed all the concerns which have been raised. We are pleased the plans were passed.”