AN eyesore building gutted by fire three years ago could finally be torn down and replaced with eight apartments.

Plans have been submitted to Tendring Council for 20 Market Street, Harwich.

A blaze tore through the building on April 13, 2012, destroying the inside – caused by a householder cleaning car parts in the kitchen sink with petrol while smoking.

Residents have spent the past three years calling for the building to be tidied up, raising major concerns over the safety of the site and branding it an “eyesore”.

As part of the plans for its future, the current building would be demolished.

It would be replaced with a four storey building, which could have eight apartments with one and two bedrooms. Residents and councillors have welcomed the plans.

Harwich town councillor David Flavell said: “I am pleased the plans have gone in – people have been waiting for them.”

Tendring Council will have the final say on the plans.