PLANS to put extractor fans on top of a restaurant will create an eyesore, according to local residents.

Antonia Waite is converting a listed sun shelter in Western Esplanade, Westcliff, into a restaurant called the Oyster Creek Kitchen.

However, residents in Overcliff Apartments, which overlook the restaurant, say the proposed structure housing fans on the roof will be an eyesore.

News of the fans comes after an application to add a rooftop area selling ice creams, coffee and alcohol was rejected by Southend Council on the grounds it would be out of keeping with the area, would take away open space and would cause noise and nuisance in the residential area.

Flats resident Ron Colman, 82, said: “Builders appear to have drilled holes into the roof where they are proposing to put this structure.

“No one is against the restaurant, because it is going to turn the old shelter, which was used by drunks, into something useful, but this is going to be an eyesore.

“No work should be done on this at all until it is formally approved.”

Angela Davis, 71, secretary of Overcliff Apartments, is also upset about the application.

She said: “Ms Waite has put in a planning application for a huge housing with a roof extractor and compressor on top of the shelter.

“Builders have already made three large holes, which are cut into the roof, and they are digging out a trench, but the consultation period doesn’t end until April 13.

“This is a listed building which has open space above and is in a conservation area.

“If permission was granted for this, it would contradict all the reasons for refusing the original application.”

Milton ward councillor Jonathan Garston, said: “The original rooftop area was refused and extraction equipment on top of the shelter will raise similar concerns, which is why I’ve called the application in for the committee to discuss.

“Permission has been given for the restaurant and work has started on that, but work can’t start on something that hasn’t been given permission.”