PLANS to build an upmarket restaurant and cafe on the site of the former corporation loading pier, on Southend seafront, are set to be approved by the council.

The restaurant with bar and cafe, would give expansive views across the estuary.

The old corporation loading pier was demolished in 2007.

Developers, the Robert Leonard Group, first submitted the plans for the site, off Eastern Esplanade, in 2005 but they have been stalled since then.

Perry Gamon, managing director of Robert Leonard, said: “It has taken some time to work this plan up as we’ve had to discuss a variety of planning and legal issues and ensure they were clarified. “For example, we have taken a lot of time discussing the situation of the birdlife in the area with Natural England.

Around the building, there would be terracing and there would be a nautical theme to the restaurant.

In his report to the committee, which is due to be decided at a meeting tomorrow, head of planning Andrew Meddle said: “This is an important seafront site which should be developed in a positive manner and could be an asset to the seafront. There is no objections in principle to a restaurant development on this site and regeneration of the site is welcomed.”

He added regeneration company Renaissance Southend believe the proposed development was an “inspired concept.”

It would provide a landmark building at the end of the central seafront and was likely to be highly popular with visitors as one of the few opportunities to dine over the beach.

The new restaurant was originally linked with the development of the derelict office block, Esplanade House on the opposite side of Eastern Esplanade, but two plans for the site have been rejected.

Mr Gamon said: “We are currently working up revised plans for the Esplanade House site, which we believe will prove acceptable and we hope to put in a planning application shortly.”