A FORMER Leigh restaurant could be transformed into a new bakery under fresh plans submitted to Southend Council.

Southend Council has received a planning application to convert the Dining Room restaurant, in 1356 London Road, Leigh, into a bakery.

The site, which has operated as a restaurant for many years, recently closed due to increased overhead costs and less demand for restaurant dining, according to the application.

The applicant, Mr M Hassan plans to convert the site into a bakery with a seating area.

Owen Cartey, Conservative Southend councillor for West Leigh ward, said: “The London Road is the longest high street in the UK and anything that can keep it thriving with new businesses should be welcomed.

“It is vital that we get footfall back to pre-pandemic levels.

“I have complete faith in the planning team and development control committee at the council to judge this application on its merits.”

As part of the refit, the owner wants to remove the panels beneath the ground floor windows and fit new glass panels.

Part of the wall on the eastern elevation would also be clad in functional scaffold board cladding, similar to that seen in similar bakeries.

Adjustments to the internal layout of the property are also proposed to accommodate this new enterprise.

These changes include a new servery, removal of the old bar, high-level seating, and the creation of an office using glass screens.

It is claimed that the existing restaurant required more long-stay parking than the proposed bakery, suggesting the bakery would indeed ease parking pressure along London Road and in the residential streets.

The plans, lodged with Southend Council, state: “The proposed conversion would allow the property to once again become profitable while also updating the appearance and reducing parking pressure in the area.

“Given the reasons listed above we believe the proposal has been well considered.”

The proposals are being considered by Southend Council.