A STRIP of land in the heart of Leigh is set to be transformed into a striking glass-fronted Leigh restaurant after it was finally approved by councillors.

Southend’s development control committee yesterday gave the green light to a spectacular new restaurant on land between Leigh Road and the Broadway.

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

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

The decision had been deferred from last month’s development control committee to determine the impact it would have on windows in a neighbouring property.

Nina Stimson, who lives next to the proposed development, asked the committee to take into account the impact on her home.

She said: “We have had other interesting buildings within Leigh Road and in that part of the Broadway but it’s a poor fit for the existing street scene and this is not a small development.

“If you count up the number of places shown on the plan there are more than 100 covers for this restaurant. I do think it will have a large impact. In terms of personal impact I do believe there is a loss of light to the first floor of the building caused by the development.”

In response, agent James Harvey said a daylight and sunlight assessment had already been based on the assumption that the windows in question served domestic use, and the assessment concluded that levels of light would be above requirements. The application for planning consent was once again recommended for approval by officers.

Mr Harvey said: “After the site visit the council’s planners are once again recommending this application is granted planning permission because the proposal sufficiently safeguards the daylight and sunlight amenity of the neighbouring properties and that there is no justification for refusing planning permission.”

Mr Harvey warned the councillors: “If the committee is minded to ignore and refuse with an unjustifiable planning reason then please bear in mind we will appeal the decision and go for costs against the council which will be a complete waste of public money.”

Anne Jones, Labour councillor for Westborough ward didn’t take kindly to the threat, saying she would make a decision based on robust planning conditions.

Ultimately, the plans were approved by councillors.