MORE time has been given for the development of Brentwood town centre, which threatens the future of a long-standing business, to become a reality.

Members of Brentwood Council's planning committee granted developers an extension of time to revamp part of the High Street.

The scheme, originally agreed for 73 and 73A High Street in 2009, casts doubt over where a popular fruit and veg stall would be sited.

Angry Lib Dem counicllors spoke at the meeting to ensure the council protects the best interest of the stallholder going forweard.

Ross Carter, who represents Brentwood North, said: “We are concerned about a thriving business being driven off its patch.

“Discussions with the stallholder only started a week ago, three years after approval was given.

“If we are to be considered a listening council then the location and viability of the fruit stall needs to be very important and a big priority on our lists.”

Mr Carter said the future of the long standing business had been “unncessarily threatened” and a petition against the latest application with more than 500 signatures showed the strength of public support for the stall.

The application was for more time to be given, as the original permission, for a three-storey building to provide two retail units, four flats and a new walkway, expired in February.

Russell Quirk, councillor for Hutton North, accused Lib Dem councillors of using the fruit stall issue to score party political points. He said: “For us to refuse an extension of time when no planning policies have changed would be very irresponsible.”

The application was eventually voted through and another three years was granted for the development to be completed.