A FIRE wrecked seafront pub will not be demolished until April, developers have revealed.

Beyond the Box Developments Ltd says it is ready to start demolition on the site of old Esplanade pub in Western Esplanade, which was destroyed by arsonists in December, but Southend Council’s planning department is taking its time.

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Shocking state - the pub has continually be targeted by arsonists

It means further disruption for motorists, residents and tourists while the dangerous eyesore remains.

The developers want to create 49 flats and two restaurants at the site of the old pub, which has suffered multiple attacks from arsonists in recent years.

The ambitious proposals to knock down the pub and the neighbouring Marriott’s Fish and Chip Shop, was given planning approval in August.

An application for approval for the final details of the development – known as “pre-commencement conditions” – was submitted at the beginning of November and it was hoped demolition would take place by the end of February.

Beyond the Box managing director James Struth said: “We are trying to discharge planning conditions and that’s taking an inordinately long time. The planning department is very good but they don’t have enough staff meaning it takes a long time to get things through. We aren’t allowed to do anything until we get that permission.

“We submitted the application on November 5 but only had a meeting with planners within the last two weeks. It’s very frustrating but planning staff have to deal with very complex matters these days.

“We are ready but I’m guessing it will be the end of March before we get the go ahead so we would be starting the demolition in April.”

The last blaze happened on December 22, and completely destroyed the building, leaving it in a dangerous condition, with part of the Eastern Esplanade road closed for days.

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Eyesore - the fire-damaged Esplanade pub