A FORMER sandwich shop in Leigh could be transformed into a new restaurant if plans for a new licence are given the green light. 

Southend Council’s licensing sub-committee will meet today to vote on plans for 1581 London Road, Leigh. 

The application, submitted by the Brakan Brothers Limited, is requesting a new premises licence to use the site as a restaurant. 

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It was previously a cafe called Toastie’s Sandwich Bar before the business closed. 

Beth Hooper, Liberal Democrat councillor for West Leigh ward, said she can’t see any harm in adding another restaurant in that area.

She said: “We do already have lots of restaurants in Leigh. But they aren’t all popular.

“I would rather see the vacant unit filled with a good business, rather than not and being left empty.

“It is sad that we are losing so many of our local shops, but this place was originally a food outlet anyway.

“As long as it is well-behaved, and did what it could to look after people, then I can’t personally see too much of a problem with it.

“But it would depend too on what kind of restaurant. There is a whole heap of restaurant along that area anyway, so I can’t see how one more would actually do any harm.”

The application was submitted to the licensing authority on February 6 and will be considered at the committee today.

In the application is states the hours the premises are open to the public is daily from 9am until 10.30pm.

They have also listed the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between midday and 10pm daily.

The application states: “The application describes the premises as being a restaurant. It is located on the north side of London Road between the junctions with Herschell Road and Barnard Road.

“The premises forms part of an area of mixed commercial premises on both sides of road, with residential dwellings above most premises.”