AN international developer says it has lost hundreds of thousands in planning fees as it tries to push through redevelopment of a historic seafront pub.

Swedish firm Redab Properties estimates it has lost £404,497 – almost half the value of the Esplanade pub, Southend, which it bought.

The company, whose managing director is CJ Petterson, wants to convert the property into luxury apartments.

Redab criticised Southend Council’s planners, claiming the department has put a series of barriers in front of it for the fivestorey scheme.

After submitting the first planning application in February 2015, the scheme only went to development control for a decision in August – and was rejected by councillors.

They were concerned about the height of the building, but it was less than a metre taller than a hotel given permission on the site in 2010.

Colin Felton, the firm’s spokesman, said: “Redab has a lot of experience with planning departments in Europe and the UK, and this experience is unique to us.

“We have lost more than £400,000 in planning fees which is very, very disappointing.

“We want Southend to attract investment and do business with companies like ours, but you have to question whether the planners want that to happen.”

The firm has lodged an appeal against the original decision, but has also put in another planning application, featuring a small redesign of the building, and the two are running at the same time.

This new planning application was due to be heard earlier this month, but has been delayed, because the council’s advisers, BNP Paribas, are preparing a report for officers and councillors.

The Swedish company is not putting forward any affordable housing in its block.

“But has said it will offer £1.25million to the council to shore up cliffs behind the development.

It bought the 100-year-old Esplanade pub in 2014, for just under £1million.

The appeal for the first planning application is set for March 8.

Council hits back with costs warning after "unreasonable" behaviour

SOUTHEND Council warned Redab it would seek costs from the company because it has to defend its decisions at a planning appeal.

The council said the company had acted “unreasonably”.

A spokesman said: “Redab Properties initially put forward an over-scaled and poorly-designed scheme that did not provide any affordable housing, nor a contribution to affordable housing.

“A development of this size is required to make a contribution of circa £825,000, or five units. No reasonable justification was given for not contributing in this way.

“It is unfortunate that the applicant has had to spend a significant amount on two planning applications and an appeal. However, this is in part a result of it not heeding advice from planning officers and our advisers. As a result of Redab’s unreasonable behaviour, the council is seeking an award of costs from it.”

However, the spokesman added that talks between the two have since progressed well, and the second planning application will be determined next month.