A MULTI-MILLION pound redevelopment of a historic seafront pub hangs in the balance after planners called for it to be thrown out.

Redab Properties wants to convert the Esplanade Pub, in Western Esplanade, into a restaurant with 24 luxury apartments above it.

However, planning officers have recommended Southend Council turns down the application as they feel the five-storey building will spoil the area and the Swedish developer has refused to contribute to affordable housing.

In a report on the plans, case officer Charlotte Galforg said: “The scale and massing and detailed design of the development is such that it will appear out of scale and out of keeping in this area.

“The sustainable credentials and particular design of the building, does not outweigh the harm that would be caused to the general street scene and the surrounding area.

“The application also fails to make satisfactory provision for affordable housing.”

Redab previously withdrew the application just before councillors were due to rule on the plans last month, after planning officers recommended it for refusal for similar reasons.

The incensed developer claimed its building was less than a foot bigger than a hotel that previously got approval on the site.

The firm claims the restaurant will create 29 jobs and the plan will bring £1million a year to Southend’s economy.

It has offered £1million to stabilise the cliffs behind the pub instead of any affordable homes within the complex.

Colin Felton, spokesman for Redab, added: “We continue to talk to the planners to resolve any outstanding issues.

“We are certainly very committed to Southend and not only with this scheme.

“As a development company we hope to be here for the long term.

“We are prepared to invest the time and effort to make sure there is an amicable solution that’s best for all parties.”