THE owner of a controversial new restaurant hopes to be open in time for the summer trade.
Antonia Waite is converting the listed sun shelter in Western Esplanade, Westcliff, into a restaurant called Oyster Creek Kitchen.
Planning permission was granted for the restaurant, but Miss Waite faces stiff opposition from local residents who claim plans for an extraction unit will be an eyesore.
Plans for a rooftop area selling ice cream and coffee were thrown out by Southend Council, which decided it would take away open space and cause a nuisance for neighbours. But concerns have been raised by residents over works to build the extraction unit on the rooftop.
Rita Roth, a resident at the Overcliff Apartments, which overlook the restaurant, said: “Thank goodness the rotunda was thrown out, but now she wants to stick plants and air conditioning up on the roof with no planning permission.
“None of us are against the shelter being redeveloped as a cafe, that is wonderful but she is so determined to build upwards when it is a lovely open space.”
Miss Waite says she may yet appeal the council’s decision over the rotunda and has applied for permission from the council over rooftop works.
She said: With the rotunda, we haven’t decided whether we are going to appeal or not. We will consider everyone’s views before we make a decision.
“In terms of extraction, we had hoped to get it on the side but because of the cliffs slipping it going to have to go on the roof.
“We are putting in for temporary permission to get it on the roof and it can be moved at a later date.
“We are working very hard to make sure it’s attractive, with planters there and seats and benching.
“I think when it’s up and done it will be an asset and people will realise it’s not really a problem.”
Miss Waite hopes to open the restaurant within a few weeks.
She said: “It’s all going very well. We’ve got a lot of the work inside the shelter done now and we are starting work on landscaping outside.
“It’s normal for people to be concerned about the unknown, but once they see what we are doing, they will be very happy.
“We are hoping to be open for the summer, ideally the end of May, beginning of June.”
A council spokesman said: “A planning application has been made for a small plant room to provide ventilation for the restaurant.
“This will be considered by the Development Control committee in June.
“The works that are being carried out at present are not in breach of the planning permission given and the council’s tenant has been in regular dialogue with planning officers throughout the works to date.”