HUGE plans to transform Southend seafront with a series of tower blocks have been pulled as business bosses and councillors branded it a “pie in the sky” idea.

Spanish developer Propana Group posted a number of striking images on its website of plans for Marine Parade.

Now, the developer has pulled the proposal, blaming the impact of Covid-19

Images showed a number of large tower blocks on the seafront but a number of businesses currently occupy the space and owners claim they haven’t been contacted.

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And John Remblance, 51, who owns a host of seafront arcades, insisted his businesses are not for sale - unless the plan was perfect.

He said: ““How can they put plans together for land they do not own.

“I was surprised as I had no idea about this at all. It does make sense as the seafront needs some regeneration.

“I think it looks brilliant and I would agree with it in principle if it was the right scheme.

“It would make us the number one seaside town in the whole country.

“But it does depend on the finer details and whether there’s any credibility about it all.

“My businesses are not for sale at the moment - but everything is for sale at the right time and price.”

The major development would be just yards away from the £100million Marine Plaza plan, which has seen work delayed until next spring.

When complete, the three-acre seafront plot will boast 282 apartments and restaurants, cafes and bars overlooking the Golden Mile.

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Ian Gilbert, Labour leader of Southend Council, raised major concerns.

He said: “It doesn’t sounds very credible to me. I would be concerned about the historical buildings along the seafront. I wouldn’t want to see these just knocked down and replaced with blocks like this.

“I would also raise concerns about the height and whether it was appropriate. It’s hard to imagine the firm has spoken to any landowners there.”