PLANS to develop a derelict bingo hall into homes and a supermarket chain are being “blocked” by Basildon Council, it is alleged.

The SMP Group, which owns the former Pitsea bingo hall, in High Road, claims the authority is refusing to accept plans for the site.

But council bosses have hit back, saying the property firm’s plans are “not realistic”.

The old Pitsea bingo hall closed in 2009 and has fallen into disrepair after a number of fires. Squatters have also been regularly spotted inside.

A spokesman for SMP Group said: “It’s frustrating as the council can’t seem to make its mind up.

“The planning department should be supporting us and plans that are viable for us to develop it. I think it should be flats with shops.

“The council doesn’t want a building that’s more than four storeys and 60 flats there but it’s not viable so it needs to be 13 storeys and more than 90 homes.

“The council is holding this up and only wants to have 40 flats there but this will not be viable for us because of the money.

“Other nearby buildings are 11 storeys so why we can’t we have that too? The council should be supporting us and we’ve also had interest from supermarket chains.”

The spokesman added: “If plans agreed it could be a lovely area. It would be idea for homes with the good train links to London.”

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “The council is keen to work with the owners of Pitsea Bingo Hall, however no realistic proposals have been received so far from the SMP Group.“

On November 9 there was also another fire at the derelict site.