The owners of a former historic seafront pub could be ordered to rip out new glass doors and ‘garish’ signs and gold cladding.

The Britannia, a locally listed building on Eastern Esplanade dating back to the late 18th century, has been restored and is now a fish and chip restaurant but Southend Council says it has received complaints about some of the restoration work.

As a result, planning officers are recommending approval of an enforcement notice for the removal of unapproved glass doors and metal shutters, gold coloured cladding to the parapet and unauthorised signage.

The building was bought and restored by Southend businessman Philip Miller, owner of Adventure Island and the sealife centre opposite the Britannia. Only the facade of the building could be retained because of extensive structural and flood damage.

Planning officers said much of the work had made a “positive contribution to the character of the conservation area. But they added: “Aspects of the frontage have not been built in accordance with the approved plans. This includes the wider glazed entrance doors and solid metal shuttering which have been installed without consent and garish signage. These elements are of poor design and are causing harm to the character of the locally listed façade.”

Steve Kearney, from SkaArchitects, said talks were ongoing with the council to resolve the issues and a new application to install a timber porch had been approved but stalled during lockdown.

He added: “ Photographs have been sent into the planning office of the frame, now constructed, which will be erected on the building next week and resolve the entrance issue.

“Regarding the signage, there has been ongoing discussions regarding the nature and type of signage and an application for advert consent and varying the material to match the rear building has been submitted.”