AMBITIOUS plans for a spectacular glass-fronted restaurant on a tiny plot of land in Leigh are set to be win approval. 

Back in July, plans were submitted to Southend Council for a new restaurant to sit between Leigh Road and Leigh Broadway, with the plush Grand redevelopment nearby.

The proposal seeks permission for a two-storey building with a basement and to demolish a storeroom to the back of the site.

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It would have an “irregular shaped footprint and a curved frontage” as well as a glass front.

The plans are set to get the green light, despite a host of objections. 

Eighteen letters of objection were received including four from one address and two from another address.

Leigh Town Council also objected. The objection read: “This represents a cramped form of development and an overdevelopment of the land, which is out of keeping with and detrimental to the character and appearance of the application site and the area more widely.

“It certainly does not respond positively to local character and will not successfully integrate itself in a positive relationship with the surroundings.”

It comes as the transformation of Leigh Road continues and it becomes an extension of the ever-popular Broadway, with an array of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Work has also began in recent weeks to build 15 plush new flats directly opposite the Grand, on the former Grove Fittings Ironmongery store and Leigh Car Wash

John Lamb, Conservative councillor responsible for the West Leigh ward, said: “It sounds good, and it could add to the other sites in the area.

“Leigh is starting to become the area to be and dine in, and makes it a very affluent area to be too.

“It could also compliment the Grand being nearby, and it is adding to the mix of other sites we already have. It is also using up an awkward area.

“We need to make sure it doesn’t go overboard though as we still need some of the shopping areas. It is key to provide a good mix.

“However, my biggest concern is the parking as Leigh is already difficult for parking. Hopefully, there is sufficient parking.”

Council officers have recommended the plans are approved at a development control committee meeting next Wednesday. 

The application states that the proposed development could provide work for around 30 people, with ten full-time.