By James HoreA CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish a seaside hotel and replace it with a block of flats looks set to be given the go-ahead. The Glencoe Hotel and Country Club in Frinton closed its doors to guests in 2002, but an application has now been lodged with Tendring District Council to replace it with eight flats.

By James Hore

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish a seaside hotel and replace it with a block of flats looks set to be given the go-ahead.

The Glencoe Hotel and Country Club in Frinton closed its doors to guests in 2002, but an application has now been lodged with Tendring District Council to replace it with eight flats.

The site in Harold Road has been the subject of a number of proposed developments in recent years, which have all been met with a hostile reaction from residents.

Tendring District Council officers have recommended the latest proposal, from E Moorhouse, should be approved, but Frinton and Walton Town Council said it was out of keeping with the area.

Letters have also sent to Tendring District Council, claiming the development would generate increased noise and disturbance and that the “scale, bulk and mass” of the building would be excessive.

Ivan Jacklin, of neighbouring Harold Grove, said the proposal should not be approved because it was similar to the last one, which was refused planning permission.

“The Secretary of State who looked at the last plans said there should not be flats there anyway,” he added.

“We are totally against it. It is not right for flats, perhaps a couple of nice houses there if anything.

“I did hear the other day that there is no reason why they should not renovate the hotel as it is, either into a hotel or turned into flats. The plans are too big and are not in keeping with the local area.”

Charles Harrison, of the Frinton Residents' Association, said the building would be like an “ogre”.

He added: “It is marginally better than the previous plan, which went to appeal and got rejected.

“We are abiding by the local planning policy adopted by Tendring District Council and Essex County Council and that is why we are surprised by the officers' recommendation.

“It does not conform to the local policies and would fail to safeguard the character of the area there.”

Tendring District Council's planning committee will vote on the application on Wednesday. E Moorhouse was unavailable for comment yesterday.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk