Nine houses could be built on the site of a Sutton Road warehouse despite being rejected by a planning inspector at a previous appeal.

Southend Council officials are recommending the revised plan for 423-425 Sutton Road should be approved by councillors.

The previous application was rejected because of poor road access and the gardens were too small.

In 2012, a £10million flat project was given the go-ahead in the same street.

Some 97 flats were given permission to be built on the site of former factories between 257 and 295 Sutton Road.

A report to Southend Council’s development control committee on April 4 said all problems had been fixed regarding the six terraces, two semis and single detached house.

Addressing the gardens, the report read that the detached house had lost some its garden to accommodate the other houses.

It read: “Amenity space has increased from 31sqm to 43sqm and from 40sqm to 60sqm for the terrace and semi-detached dwellings compared with the previous proposal. The detached dwelling amenity space has reduced from 55sqm to 45sqm.”

The houses will mean the loss of a warehouse and land capable of supporting employment.

Although there is a limited employment land in the town and the council’s policy is to protect employment, the report said business use was no longer viable.

The report read in conclusion: “The application is considered on balance to have overcome the reasons for refusing the previous application and is therefore recommended for approval.”

Of nine letters from neighbours, six support and three object.

Those in support said more family houses are needed in Southend. Those opposed described the houses as overdevelopment of the area and said bats were roosting in the existing building.

The council report said the concerns did not represent “a reasonable basis to refuse planning permission in the circumstances of this case”.

If the plan is approved, the developer may be asked to make pay £2,000 towards the planting of two trees.