Residents fight seafront flats

However, members of Southend Council's development control committee are being recommended by head of planning, Steve Kearney, to approve the scheme, by developers Weston Homes.

The site, on the corner of Lifstan Way and Eastern Esplanade, is occupied by four buildings, one of which has been converted into flats, a guest house and two private homes.

Objectors have complained in droves about the scale of the proposal, the number of blocks of flats in the area, loss of character and overdevelopment of the site.

Ron Woodley, chairman of the Burges Estate Residents' Association and Independent councillor for Thorpe ward, said his members were "bitterly opposed" to the scheme.

He added: "The reaction of the public and number of objections shows just how angry people are feeling.

"There are four Victorian villas on this site which we should be preserving for the future - not just destroying another part of the town's heritage.

"The design is poor and wrong for the area and we seem to be getting more and more badly designed blocks of flats being built along this part of the seafront."

However, letters of support have been received by the council from the occupiers of three of the properties earmarked for demolition.

Despite the overwhelming opposition to the flats, Mr Kearney said the amount of new builds and converted flats in this part of Eastern Esplanade meant another flats development would be appropriate.

He added: "Overall, the design detail is considered to be of high architectural quality. The proposed inclusion of renewable energy sources through solar panels is also a welcome element."

In terms of affordable housing, Mr Kearney said it had been agreed to provide a four-bedroom house on another site, instead of two affordable flats as part of the development.

An education contribution of £17,814 would be required from the developers, as well as £10,000 towards play facilities at Jubilee Beach.