PLANS for extra flats in an 11-storey extension above the Travelodge hotel in Southend are being recommended for approval by the council.

The proposal by Barratt Homes is for 94 flats in the back of the former Keddies department story building in Chichester Road, with 17 set aside for affordable housing.

Head of planning Steve Kearney said there was an existing planning permission for 64 flats on the same site, granted in 2004.

But there had been refinements to the design of the building, including inset balconies, coloured panels and metal screens.

He said the reason for the increase in the number of flats had been given by the developer as the only way to make the scheme viable because of its high costs.

He said: "The opportunity to improve the app-earance of this important town centre site is welcomed. The applicants have taken a contemporary approach, which is deemed appropriate to the building itself and wider High Street frontage.

"The revised design is considered to be an im-provement and acceptable in this location."

If members agree the recommendation to app-rove the scheme, contributions will be required for education and improvements to local space.

Mr Kearney said when the original scheme was agreed it was felt there was adequate capacity in surrounding schools and an education contribution of £41,144 was being requested.

To help make up for the lack of private gardens in the development, a contribution of £25,500 was required to help improve nearby open space, particularly Warrior Square, where a children's play area is proposed.

Southend Council's development control committee will make a decision on the plans today.