Long-awaited plans to replace a former restaurant turned eyesore have been thrown out for a second time.

Southend Council has rejected plans to flatten what’s left of the Old Vienna in Eastwood Road, Leigh, and replace it with housing.

EDH Holdings had been seeking planning permission to replace the former Italian restaurant, which is partially demolished already, with 13 ‘self-contained’ flats.

Echo: How the proposed flats would have lookedHow the proposed flats would have looked

But the council said the scheme was ‘unacceptable’ due to the lack of contributions offered by the applicant to improve infrastructure and education services in the area.

They also had concerns on the impact the development would have on the surrounding area.

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Southend Council had previously said it would approve the proposal on the basis contributions would be made to improve services and infrastructure– known as S106 agreements.

But no deal could be struck between EDH Holdings and council, meaning the application has been rejected.

Echo: How the restaurant once lookedHow the restaurant once looked

Echo: And how it looks nowAnd how it looks now

Previous plans to build 15 flats on the site were refused in 2017.

The Old Vienna fell out of favour with customers and the business eventually closed its doors in 2016 following a poor hygiene inspection.

It has remained empty ever since despite attempts to reopen the restaurant.

In it’s application, EDH Holdings said there was “no viable interest” in using the site for commercial purposes.