PLANS to demolish the Old Vienna Restaurant in Leigh and turn the site into a three-storey block of flats have been controversially rejected by Southend Council.

The development committee was split nine to six with the majority going against the advice from planning officers.

The decision caused uproar in the room, including from the applicant, who left the meeting in no doubt he will be appealing the decision to the planning inspectorate adding it “will be approved”.

Councillor Chris Walker, of the Eastwood Park Ward, told the committee he was objecting on the basis the development would be “too high and too bulky” following concerns about rejecting the application without good planning reasons.

Those voting against the plan first told the committee they wanted to defer the proposal but there was more confusion when they were questioned again about their reasons.

The refusal was eventually put forward by Mr Walker.

The application was for 15 flats on the site of the Old Vienna Restaurant on Eastwood Road.

It was once a popular venue for residents but became dilapidated after it closed in 2016 following a poor hygiene inspection.

The new block of flats would front Blenheim Chase and Tudor Gardens and be set on a similar building line as the existing residential buildings.

However, councillors raised numerous concerns about new residents parking on Tudor Gardens due to the homes having just one parking space.

Councillor Fay Evans, of the West Leigh Ward, told the committee: “Tudor Gardens is a nightmare now and it’s going to get worse.”

Councillor Steve Buckley, of the St Laurence Ward, said: “I am happy with the quality of units and accommodation.

“Parking is provided, so no problem there but I am concerned about the height compared to other properties – it seems overbearing.”

However, a council planning officer said the application was compliant and was a “better use of site” than the restaurant.

They added that it provides “much needed homes for the borough”.

Applicant Sandhurst New Homes is expected to launch an appeal.

If it does the planning inspectorate will make a decision on whether the application should go ahead. The restaurant is currently dilapidated and partly demolished.