Plans have been unveiled to transform a former supermarket which has stood empty for six years into a new restaurant and flats.

Homestead PLC has submitted fresh plans to create the new restaurant in Benfleet High Road with eight first and second floor flats with balconies.

The former Budgens supermarket site opposite South Benfleet Primary School has sat vacant since February 2017.

Co-op also once ran the unit but relocated to 289-291 High Road.

Three previous bids from the same applicants for the re-development of the site have been refused, with the latest plans submitted this summer being thrown out.

Since the previous refusal the scheme has been altered, with design changes made to provide access to the flats directly from the High Road after discussions with police.

A statement submitted with the plans says: "The proposed scheme will redevelop a currently unviable retail unit to provide new commercial premises as well as much needed housing for the area. This is our client’s fourth application. It attempts to cover the reasons for refusal on the previous three applications.

"We request a dialogue with the planning officer to discuss any amendments which may be required to produce a favourable decision."

The developers also plan to redesign the parking on site to provide nine parking spaces and two motorbike spaces, as well as 15 new bicycle spaces.

The restaurant would create five jobs and would be open from 9am, according the application.

Castle Point Council will decide on the proposals.