PLANS to expand a hotel by another 18 rooms has been refused by the council after concerns about “over dominance” and “overlooking”.

Bosses at The Oysterfleet Hotel, Knightswick Road, Canvey planned for the three storey extension but Castle Point Council refused the plans.

A report by a planning officer stated the land is identified for new homes in the local plan, rather than new hotel rooms.

It states: “Its loss for housing purposes would reduce the supply of available housing land in the borough at a time when there is a shortage of housing.

“The proposed building, by reason of its height, depth and mass, would be a dominant feature in the street scene and out of character with the surrounding residential properties.

“The proposal is located within 15m of a sewage pumping station and occupants are likely to experience nuisance from odour, noise and general disruption from maintenance work.”

The report says there is not enough evidence to show the need for hotel spaces trumps the need for new homes.

However members of Castle Point Council who represent Canvey disagreed.

Ray Howard, veteran Tory councillor said: “I’ve made my views known on this previously.

“I support the principle of this development.

“It is always busy at the hotel and people are going off the island for venues.

“Obviously the plans were not considered acceptable.

“I cannot condone residents being overlooked but I do hope the hotel’s team and the council planners can come together and find a suitable conclusion for this.

“I want to see this go ahead as long as it is suitable with the council planners.”

In 2015, the hotel has plans approved to convert roof space to create an extra seven rooms but the plans were never implemented.

The owners declined chance to comment when approached by the Echo.

The Oysterfleet describes itself as an independently owned, family run hotel. The hotel boasts forty one bedrooms all with en-suite facilities currently.