A historic Shoebury building which was set alight earlier this year is a step closer to being turned into homes.

NHS bosses have submitted an application to Southend Council to demolish the former hospital Shoebury House and use the site for semi-detached houses and a three-storey block of flats.

The outline plan for up to ten one, two and three-bedroom homes has been recommended for approval.

Shoebury House in Ness Road, was originally built as a pre-war convalescent home.

More recently, it was used for non-residential specialist health care but the building has been vacant since 2008.

The boarded-up building has become a magnet for vandals and was set alight by arsonists in August.

The blaze damaged 50 per cent of the building’s roof and floors below.

The building had been earmarked for continued use in healthcare but there has been little interest in it for this use.

The health commissioners have formally declared the site as surplus to the operational healthcare requirements of the NHS.

The Shoebury Garrison Conservation Area is located to the east of the site beyond Gunners Park.

Planning officers raised no objections to granting outline planning permission for the new homes.

A report by planning officers reads: “The proposed development, subject to appropriate conditions, is acceptable.

“The development sought could be achieved on site in an acceptable manner.”

A total of 32 neighbours were notified about the plans.

The council received one letter in support of the application and two against it.

Concerns raised from residents included worries about parking provision and road safety concerns.

Councillors will have the final say on the application.