PARTS of Southend seafront have changed beyond recognition in recognition in recent years.

Developments like the Nirvana and Admirals Court in Chalkwell have sprung up thanks to successive development control committees who were sympathetic to modern architectural designs and had a new vision for the town.

Now Southend Council believes it has gone too far and has admitted large developments have blighted parts of the seafront. As a consequence, the council has issued new guidelines to protect the remainder of the seafront. While this policy is welcome in that it will protect existing buildings, it is to be hoped that it won’t restrict progress.

The council has a fine line to tread between ensuring the seafront moves with the times in order to keep attracting visitors and preserving a rich heritage that once gone, is lost for all time.

The developments which have risen along the seafront, replacing some of the grand old houses, are striking and bring an air of affluence, regeneration and growth.

However, few residents would want to see a high rise skyline along the entire front.

It is laudable remaining buildings should be protected, but it is to be hoped the council doesn’t throw the baby out with the bath water by refusing further progress entirely.