THE Old Vienna will be turned into a £1million block of flats, if planning permission is agreed.

The restaurant, which went from being popular for its Oompah music to notorious for health violations, could be fully demolished soon.

Southend Council is now set to decide on plans for a three-storey block of 15 flats at the former restaurant in Leigh

The plans are recommended for approval.

The dilapidated, partially demolished restaurant, has become an eyesore for residents and is a far cry from the glory days of the once-popular Austrian restaurant in Eastwood Road.

At first it was expected to become a new Italian restaurant, but Sandhurst New Homes now want to build flats.

The new L-shaped building would link Blenheim Chase and Tudor Gardens and would be set on a similar building line.

A planning report states: “It is considered the site is impracticable and unlikely to be brought back into its lawful use of a restaurant due to its large size and location in a residential area. The application site remains vacant, is sited within a residential area and is in a poor state of repair.”

However, many residents want to see another restaurant.

Out of 38 letters sent to the council only two supported a flats plan.

Residents raised concerns about parking and the loss of a restaurant.

In its glory days the Old Vienna would be packed with Austrian music playing and customers coming for food and entertainment.

In its final days, the Old Vienna attracted controversy.

In 2015, police had to intervene during a fight at the restaurant after customers demanded refunds.

The gigantic row between diners and managers was soundtracked by the oompah band which continued to play through the fracas.

Staff at the restaurant walked out on the job after customers started complaining.

The restaurant was even dubbed “Fawlty Towers” thanks to the farcical scenes reminding people of the famous Sitcom. A former owner was also later fined £60,000 after flouting hygiene rules at the crumbling premises.

Councillors will decide on whether to approve the flats plan next Wednesday.