PEOPLE power looks to have given a much-loved corner shop a stay of execution.

Councillors on Southend Council’s development control committee today voted to turn down plans to tear down the shop unit, which houses Dillons Convenience Store, in Newington Avenue, Southchurch.

It would have been replaced by two storey unit and Manish Patel, 40, who runs the store, claimed he would have been priced out of a new retail unit, with flats proposed above.

However, he is still unsure whether his landlord will want him in the current unit, despite the planning decision.

His army of loyal customers handed in a 456-signature petition, lobbying against the closure of his business – and they were tearful after the decision.

After the decision, Mr Patel said: “It’s been an emotional afternoon for me.

“It’s wonderful to have the backing of so many people as this is my livelihood.”

Included in the application were plans to get rid of the five parking spaces outside the shop, with elderly residents concerned about accessibility.

Mr Patel added: “It’s a purpose built unit, built for the community and to remove the parking spaces would be to the detriment of the area.”

As well as the petition, several planning objections were also submitted on the design of the new unit, plus the loss of parking.

Erica Donnelly, 33, of Whittingham Avenue, Southchurch, set up the petition, and said: “We were all very emotional in here today but it is nice to see that the councillors have taken on board our thoughts.

“This is a lifeline for a lot of residents.”

The store is a franchise of the national Premier chain.

Tory David Garston, who voted the application down, said: “If ever there was a proposal that has gone down like a lead balloon in a neighbourhood, then it is this one.

“It is clearly a special store in the ward.”