COUNCILLORS have called for all future developments on the seafront to be discussed in public after a two-storey yacht clubhouse was agreed behind closed doors.

Southend Council’s development control committee has asked planning officers for all “significant” plans for between Two Tree Island, Leigh, and East Beach, Shoebury, to be decided publicly.

The request came after planning officers admitted they had agreed to allow the Thames Estuary Yacht Club to build a two-storey clubhouse in Western Esplanade without consulting councillors.

The Echo revealed officers recommended the “floating”

restaurant for refusal last week, due to its size, despite allowing the clubhouse a few hundred yards along the seafront.

David Norman, chairman of the committee, said: “The entire length of the seafront, from Two Tree Island, through the pier to East Beach in Shoebury is the jewel in the crown of Southend.

“Under those circumstances, any development on the seafront should be scrutinised by elected members. That particularly goes for new buildings.”

Planning officers will investigate the request.