A NEW landmark 14-storey block of flats could be built on the site of the old Churchills diner in Southend.

Outline planning permission is being sought for a tower block with 58 new homes on the site, in Tylers Avenue, which was Mangetout restaurant after Churchill’s closed.

Skarchitects, agent for the developer Vikesh Kotecha – also behind plans for the old Empire Theatre – have been working with planning officers to draw up suitable plans for the new building.

The building will visually appear as two blocks. The plans include two shops on the ground floor.

The site has been vacant since 2021 when the previous one and two storey building was demolished and is currently surrounded by grey hoarding.

Mike Gray, from Dedman Gray estate agents, said: “These premises previously used as Mange Tout and Churchill’s diner has proved a challenging site to develop and I’m pleased to see the particular scheme now being presented does give the opportunity for a landmark building in this prominent corner in the middle of the town centre.”

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In their planning statement, Skarrchitects said: “The scale of the proposal creates an ambitious landmark for the city of Southend whilst providing high-levels of much needed housing.

“The proposal is 14 storeys in height, which, although would not be the city’s tallest, would be a landmark building.”

A previous application for a seven storey building comprising 21 flats with balconies and terraces and retention of a ground floor commercial unit was withdrawn.