Two blocks of luxury seafront flats are set to be extended.

Applications for two new flats to be built on top of the two Shore blocks in The Leas, Westcliff are recommended for approval.

Plans have been submitted for a new eighth floor two-bedroom apartment on the site, formerly called Nirvana. A large glass opening to the front would lead to a private terrace overlooking the estuary,

Another sixth floor one-bedroom apartment will have a large glass door to the rear which would provide access to a private terrace overlooking Grosvenor Mews.

The flats will raise the existing height of the roof by up to 2.95 metres but developers Westbrook Properties say this will not result in an increase in height above the highest part of the existing building.

The two extra flats will bring the total number in the buildings to 49.

Planning officers said: “The proposed development would have an acceptable impact on the amenities of neighbouring occupiers and the character and appearance of the application site and the locality more widely.

“The proposal would not result in any adverse impact on parking provision or highways safety and it provides suitable condition for its future occupiers.”

The council received 17 objections to the development, which included noise and disturbance during construction, loss of light and air and privacy.

Residents also said they believed there was a lack of parking provision on the site.

The development has been a controversial one, with residents, mourning the loss of views following the construction of the large block. However, Chalkwall Ward Residents Association raised no objection to the extensions.

Spokesman Jane Hendry said: “Members were aware of the application to extend what was a very controversial development from the beginning, but generally had no strong feelings on this occasion, bearing in mind that the plans did not involve any increase in the height or overall scale of the existing building.

“The only issue would be regarding the provision of adequate additional parking space, given the current parking congestion in the area.

“Our main regret is still that permission was granted for such an overbearing building in the first place.”