A DERELICT former hotel would keep its historic facade as part of new plans to create 26 apartments in Clacton.

The former Osborne Hotel, in Rosemary Road, was due to be bulldozed, but the new plans include keeping the front of the building, which is one of the town’s earliest.

East West Design and Build has submitted plans for 26 new apartments in two blocks, as well as including two new shop units.

The facade would be restored, while the blueprints also include a car park, shops, sandwich bars and an internet cafe.

An architect’s report said the redevelopment would “significantly improve” the derelict site in Clacton town centre.

“By retention of the former frontage, the proposals both enhance and preserve the Clacton conservation area,” it said.

The building, which became the Nelson pub in 1985 and later the Sandles Inn Chinese restaurant, is one of the oldest in the town.

The Osborne Hotel was built by Clacton’s founder Peter Bruff in 1871.

Clacton historian Norman Jacobs said: “Being in a conservation area, it should never have been allowed into get into the state it has.

“But now it is in disrepair, it would be very difficult to save it all.

“I am pleased that they now want to keep the frontage because of the importance of the building in Clacton’s history.”