HOTEL-OWNER Jeff Dolbear is furious that his plan to turn a town square into a car park has sparked a tirade of complaints.
The 60-year-old, who owns the 43-bed Oakland Hotel, wants to use the surrounding land in Market Square, South Woodham Ferrers, for car parking, but more than 70 people have objected to his plans and a petition has been launched.
The father-of-two said: "It's just typical British people moaning and I'm furious about it.
"The car park will measure about 80 feet and cars will only be allowed to park there from 4pm to 9am. Most businesses shut at 5pm anyway, so I don't know why they are worried."
South Woodham town councillors opposed the plans at a recent meeting, but the final decision will be made by the planning authority, Chelmsford City Council, in September.
More than 70 residents and businesses have commented on the application on Chelmsford City Council's website, saying that a car park in the public square will ruin the town's character and be a health and safety hazard so near to schools.
Mr Dolbear, whose hotel featured on TV's The Hotel Inspector, said: "I am being treated like a villain but I am not a villain.
"I have put tables and chairs on the square so people can enjoy sitting outside and I have turned what was a dire hotel, when I took it over, into what it is today.
"I have spent thousands of pounds on making this a nicer place. I think people are just jealous because I am successful."
Mr Dolbear said that filling his hotel with customers from all over the country means that he needs more car parking spaces, when all he currently has is three.
"You can only park in Asda for three hours and they will not do a deal with me.
"I am really annoyed with the council because they have completely turned against me and there are a lot of problems in South Woodham that they should be spending their time on.
"In the past, they have said that I am not part of the town, but I hold events at Christmas in Market Square. Then they contradict themselves when I put in this bid, by saying it will ruin the town.
"They just want to destroy me but I don't give a monkey's. If this gets refused I will take it higher and higher, because I own the Market Square."
