A “BRUTALIST” 14-storey tower block will be built on the site of a former Southend city centre diner as plans have been approved following a lengthy appeal process.

The Government planning inspector has granted planning permission for a new 14-storey building to create 58 flats at the site of the former Churchill’s building in Tylers Avenue – noting the plans “would not have an unacceptable effect on the character and appearance of the site”.

It comes after Southend Council refused to approve the plans back in February, with councillors branding the block “brutalist” and raising concerns around the height.

Campaigners also feared a nearby 150-year-old London plane tree, affectionately named Chester, would likely be removed should the block be built.

The planning inspector noted the proposal would result in the loss of the tree, though said it “is not a matter which weighs heavily against the scheme”.

Sharing her disappointment at the outcome, Maxine Sadza, Labour councillor for Milton ward, said: “I think it is overdevelopment on that corner, it would have been nice to have a pocket park there.

“It was a brutalist plan and it will be a brutalist building, we wanted to keep the tree as well, that is very disappointing and people will be saddened by it.”

However, SkArchitects director, Steven Kearney is celebrating the outcome after “four years of dedicated effort” and claims the block will deliver much-needed housing and support economic growth in the area.

Mr Kearney added: “Regarding the street tree, we want to clarify that its removal was determined solely due to pre-existing highway safety concerns, prior to any development discussions with the council.

“We recognize the importance of greenery within the city centre, which is why our design prioritises green spaces, including a new public square on the corner of Tylers Avenue and Chichester Road.

“This square will incorporate soft landscaping and two newly planted trees to enhance the area’s natural environment.”