Court action could be threatened against property owners who flout planning laws by acting as hostels for asylum seekers.

Properties classed as hotels and guest houses but used as hostels could be targeted for enforcement notices, as the change in use is against the council's tourism and regeneration strategies.

Any enforcement action would not be a move against asylum seekers but one to preserve visitor accommodation in the town, it has been stressed.

A spokesman for Southend Council, said: "People are using hotels or houses with multiple occupation as hostels. That means there is a change of use that is contrary to the local plan details. It so happens that the people using these are asylum seekers. Obviously the council has a duty to accommodate asylum seekers but we also need to make sure we are working to our regeneration strategies.

"It does not mean that people will be forced out on the streets straight away - the aim is to give people enough time to make provision."

She added: "We are a tourism town and we rely on the tourism trade. Loss of tourism is going to affect our regeneration strategy."

At the time of going to press, the Echo was not able to contact the proprietors of the properties named in the council report for comment.

They include the Estuary Hotel in The Leas and The Redstone Hotel in Pembury Road, as well as properties in Marine Avenue, Wilson Road and Ramuz Drive. The report will come before Southend Council's development control committee tomorrow.

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