A radical bid to demolish a post-war house and replace it with a modern block of seafront flats has won the backing of Southend councillors.

The daring application from developers Civicgreen would scrap an impressive 1948 building on The Leas, in the Crowstone conservation area.

There was mild opposition to the idea, but most members of Southend Council's development control sub-committee backed the scheme.

Assistant director of technical services Mike Pregnall said a building could be demolished in a conservation area if its replacement "preserved and enhanced" the street scene.

He added: "For a number of reasons, the loss of the current building will be justified. We think the replacement building will encourage the enhancement of the area. It's the sort of building we just don't get in Southend."

However, Verina Wilson (Con, Shoebury) was not happy. She said: "I can't go along with this one.

"If the current house were in imminent danger of falling down, I would be more than happy of having something really good put in its place. But the plain fact is that it's not in danger of falling down.

"To get rid of a perfectly good house and put up something modern in a conservation area - sorry, I can't see the logic behind it."

Sub-committee chairman Alan Crystall (Lib Dem, Leigh) backed the new proposal. He said: "It's a classy design."

A Civicgreen spokesman said: "The proposal reuses previously developed land and provides a sustainable solution to meeting Southend borough's housing needs in accordance with Government policy.

"The building adopts a nautical theme that is predominant in the area and reflects general seaside architecture.

"The development proposals will bring a derelict site back into use and will help ensure this part of Westcliff remains alive and prosperous."

A string of conditions were attached to the planning approval including ensuring the current building is only demolished to build the new flats and that obscure glazing is used in certain windows.

Fair exchange? Developers want to build this flats block (right) on the site of the existing building (left)

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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