PLANS to transform a derelict office block into a new upmarket hotel have been given overwhelming approval.

Developer Runwood Homes has been given permission to turn Victoria House, in Victoria Avenue, Southend, into an 84-bedroom hotel.

Members of Southend Council’s development control committee voted 13 to one in favour of the plans, which would involve creating a hotel over the existing seven floors with two extra floors containing four large apartments.

James Clinkscales (Lib Dem, Blenheim Park) said: “A hotel along Victoria Avenue would be absolutely magic.

“It’s what we were hoping for for years.

“It will give Victoria Avenue something it really deserves.”

There would be a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, conference facilities, plus 41 car parking spaces and 20 spaces for bicycles.

Runwood, which is using the existing building’s structure and putting in new glazing and cladding, expects the development to create 35 new jobs.

Ric Morgan (Lib Dem, Prittlewell) said he was concerned about the removal of trees from the site and the number of parking spaces provided, though planning officers pointed out that the site was very close to Southend Victoria train station and the town centre so not everyone would drive there.

Mike Assenheim (Ind, Shoeburyness) said: “I applaud the hotel application and I think Runwood Homes are a reputable company.

“But they aren’t a hotel operator.

”What if they can’t find an operator?”

Councillors decided to add a condition which said the flats could not be built until a hotel operator is in place.

As part of the permission, Runwood will pay towards the local infrastructure, including £25,000 of improvements to Victoria Avenue and £27,300 for a nearby bus stop.

Runwood has entered three previous planning applications to turn Victoria House into a care home in the past two years and all have been refused.