CAMPAIGNING residents celebrated after plans to convert a landmark hotel into flats were rejected on appeal.

Two sets of plans to demolish the derelict Bell Hotel in Leigh Hill, Leigh, and build a three-storey block have been rejected by Southend Coun-cil, after neighbours said their coastal views would be destroyed.

Developer Robin Levy took the plans to the planning inspectorate on appeal and a public inquiry was held in October.

The first plan, turned down by the council last year, would have seen the old building used as a 12-bedroom hotel, with 20 flats at the back.

The second proposal, rejected last February, proposed gutting the building and creating five flats, with 16 flats at the back.

However, planning inspector Edward Simpson rejected both plans because of their devastating impact on views across the traditional fishing village.

He said: "When viewed from the coast path, the principal pubic viewpoint, this development would have a seriously overbearing impact.

"Moreover, it would fit uncomfortably with surrounding development."

He said the listed hotel, which is in a conservation area, should not be demolished before a suitable scheme to redevelop the site was approved.

Leigh town councillor Hilary Davison, who represents Elms ward, said up to 150 neighbours would have been affected by the development.

She added: "Most of us on the hill were going to lose views.

"A lot of people here have living rooms upstairs and bedrooms downstairs for the view, and this building would have ruined that.

"The biggest thing was the views looking up from the beach, at the Cinder Path.

"You wouldn't have been able to see the church."

Margaret Buckey, secretary of the Leigh Society, said: "We are delighted the application for The Bell was turned down.

"Now the question is, what is going to happen to the site?

"It certainly needs something to go there, but we could be left hanging for another few years."

Mr Levy was unavailable for comment, as he was out of the country.