UNPOPULAR plans to convert a landmark hotel to flats have been abandoned at the last minute.

Robin Levy, who owns the Bell Hotel in Leigh Hill, Leigh, was due to find out whether his plan to use the building’s shell to create five flats would be approved yesterday.

However, the application was withdrawn at the 11th hour.

No reason was given for the sudden withdrawal, although planning officers had recommended councillors throw out the plan.

They argued the development would not help to ease the demand for affordable homes in the town.

In a report for councillors, Andy Lewis, the council’s corporate director of the environment, said: “The provision of affordable housing in Southend is a key issue, owing to an increasing difference between household income and house prices.”