WORK to restore a Clacton landmark to its former glory will get under way in two weeks, the Gazette can reveal.

The Royal Hotel will be "stunning"and "unlike anything we've got in Clacton," according to planning officers.

New plans got the green light from Tendring Council's development control committee on Tuesday.

Rovestar Estates will convert the dilapidated hotel into a mixed-use buidling containing 46 apartments, shops, a restaurant and a 19-room hotel.

The project will include restoring the balcony areas and chimneys.

It will will take 18 months to complete.

Michael Swinbourne, speaking on behalf of Rovestar, said: "The company is pleased to have been given the green light.

"Our agent has been working very closely with Tendring Council's planning and regeneration officers.

"They have been very professional and positive in their approach to the scheme to make it deliverable."

Gary Pullan, planning officer, told the committee it was a very comprehensive restoration. It will cost in the region of £2.25 million.

"It is quite a stunning bit of architecture, unlike anything we've got in Clacton," he said.

"The design is quite striking, far superior to what we normally see, and may act as a catalyst for future design in Clacton."

The applicant should have made contributions of about £1 million to affordable housing, open space and school places, but it would have made the scheme undeliverable. The council agreed £360,000 was acceptable.

Planning policy also says hotel spaces should not be lost, but Mr Pullan said the size of the current hotel is not viable.