A MAJOR electrical store could close to make way for housing.

Plans have been drawn up to demolish Tower Radio, in London Road, Hadleigh, which is part of the Euronics group, and build 14 luxury apartments.

There are currently five, threebedroom flats above the shop.

The application, which has been submitted to Castle Point Council, comes just 18 months after the electrical store underwent refurbishment, with new carpets and fixtures.

Alf Papworth, 81, of Ashdown Crescent, Hadleigh, said of the proposals: “I am not happy about this. I think it’s a disgrace.

“I don’t think residents will let it happen without a fight.

“I think the development would cause a lot of disruption while building work is under way. It’s a very busy road.

“I have lived in Hadleigh since 1984 and the shop has been there the whole time.

“I have used it when my television broke. I think it would really be missed.” Tower Radio, set up in 1933, runs stores across the county, including in Canvey and Vange.

It is thought the company is closing the branch to focus on its huge warehouse on the Stadium Way trading estate, at Rayleigh Weir.

Access to the proposed flats would be via a new entrance in Broughton Road.

The development of four onebedroom homes, eight two-bedroom flats and two three-bedroom properties would include 23 parking spaces.

Norman Ladzrie, Tory councillor for St James’ ward and former chairman of Castle Point Council’s planning committee, said: “I think, all in all, I am broadly in favour of the scheme because it is a brownfield site and I would rather developers build there than on green belt land.

“The proposal is in keeping with the style of existing flats in that area, but I would like to see the finer details before committing to this.

“The flats would have fabulous views over the estuary and I think they would be really luxurious, so I would expect them to sell well and the developers to make a good profit.”

A decision on the proposals is expected by the end of May.