AMBITIOUS plans to demolish an defunct Austrian restaurant, and convert it into flats, are not dead in water.

Developer SK Architects had hoped to turn the Old Vienna restaurant in Eastwood Road into a three-storey block of 13 flats, following the demolition of the derelict building earlier this year.

Southend Council initially approved the plans on the condition developers paid £224,000 towards affordable housing, but the deal was scrapped by SK Architects.

This in turn prompted an appeal from the developer.

And a hearing to determine the future of the building was set to be held this week, but it has now been postponed.

Keith Evans, councillor of the Blenheim Park ward, said: “The building is a complete eyesore, and has been for a long time.

“It’s the focal point of the road and is a landmark.

“But the whole issue really needs sorting out.

“I would say that the current plans would be an overdevelopment, that was the concern raised at the time.”

The Old Vienna closed its doors in 2016 following a poor hygiene inspection.

Previous applications for the site in Eastwood Road, Leigh, were refused on the grounds of the size of the building and the lack of affordable housing.

The latest application reduced the size of the development .

Funds would have also been allocated to expand Eastwood Academy, along with seven other secondary schools to help accommodate the increase in secondary pupils potentially caused by the new build.

Mr Evans added: “It seems slightly strange they’ve appealed after they refused to pay the contributions.

“I’m not sure how far they’ll get.

“We need to get it sorted out, as long as it’s not at a cost to the council.”

The hearing was due to start last week at the Civic Centre, but was postponed until next year.

An email from council officers, which the Echo has seen, reads: “I am sorry to inform you that Tuesday’s appeal hearing for The Old Vienna restaurant, Eastwood Road, has been postponed until next year.

“My apologises for any inconvenience this has caused.”