PLANS have been submitted to turn a former restaurant that had been targeted by squatters and fly-tippers into flats.

Disgusted residents called for action to be taken last year to clear up fly-tipped waste, including human faeces, from behind the closed Spice Village restaurant in Rosemary Road, Clacton.

Residents in neighbouring Rosemary Crescent said the back yard had become a dumping ground and squatters had broken into the property.

Lonwale Developments and Let’s Move In have now applied to Tendring Council for permission to create nine one-bedroom flats on the site.

A report said: “This application gives the opportunity to make better use of the plot and provide additional, more affordable, mid-range properties, which are more in keeping with the need of younger families.”

Elizabeth Biswell, of Grosvenor Court, Rosemary Road, objected to the proposal. She said it would be an “overcrowded development” with insufficient parking.

Nearby residents claim the extensions will block light into neighbouring properties.

Council officials inspected the former restaurant site earlier this year after complaints from residents.

They told the former owner to board up the property within 48 hours. When the owner failed to act, the council did the work and removed rubbish from the yard.

A decision on the plans is expected by August 6.