ANGRY toy shop bosses claim plans for nine flats will obscure their popular advertising mural wall.

The owners of Argosy Toys, in London Road, Westcliff, say the proposals by RG Airspace Developments Limited for next door will cover over the vibrant wall that draws in plenty of customers.

If agreed, the developer will construct a part three and part four storey development with one shop and homes.

Staff member Fionna Morgan, 43, said: “The building they want to demolish has a bit of history and was used as a petrol station in the war.

“They want to build right up to being flush with our shop front.

“We are only two storeys but they want to build four storeys and it will just dwarf us and we will be lost.

“People come along the road and can easily see us and it won’t be the case if this plan goes through.

“We are an independent toy shop and have been here for 70 years.

“We are drawing as much attention to ourselves as we can and that’s why we love the murals.

“If it goes ahead we will loose that wall and we are concerned as it’ll be imposing.

“We are also worried about overdevelopment in the area as well as affordable homes.

“If this goes ahead it could help to create a corridor of large developments.”

A spokesman for APS Designs Associated Limited, acting as agent for the developer said: “We fail to see how this would be detrimental to the business.

“At the moment the shop is attached to part of a corner which is empty and has failed on numerous occasions to find any commercial value.

“The scheme has been amended and reduced in scale. However, it still meets the criteria under general planning policies for a development of this nature and this will be an issue considered by the planning officers as the application progresses.

“There is no affordable housing required on this project as it is below the ten unit criteria.

“The site is one of many along the London Road which could be part of the regeneration, particularly on this side of the road.

“New developments are being agreed all the way along from Chalkwell Park through to Palace Theatre.

“This would be another example of that regeneration.”