FEARS have been raised over the future of a popular restaurant in Chalkwell after plans were submitted to Southend Council to convert it into four flats.

The owner of Baboush, on The Ridgeway, has submitted plans to the council to covert both the ground floor and the first floor of the restaurant into new homes.

The restaurant continues to remain open, is trading, and continues to take bookings despite the plans being submitted by Mehmet Hassan.

Mr Hassan is also behind plans to transform the old Barclays bank in Leigh Broadway into flats and was the owner of the Dining Room restaurant in Leigh which recently closed.

Plans have now been submitted to turn the former Dining Room into a new bakery with the application stating it closed due to increased overhead costs and less demand for restaurant dining.

No information on the success of the Baboush restaurant has been included in the application, however it appears to continue to be popular with residents.

James Courtenay, Conservative councillor responsible for the Chalkwell ward, said: “It is a difficult one.

“It is always a shame to see a business close if that is what is going to happen due to the plans.

“But I am interested in seeing the application proposed. I will be interested to look at the parking and waste details.

“It is an interesting one as the site is a reasonable size. It would be good to hear what residents in the area have to say in the consultation stage as they will be the ones impacted by the decision.”

Baboush and Mr Mehmet were contacted for comment by the Echo over the future of the restaurant and the implications of the plans.

However, no additional information was provided.

Mr Courtenay added: “There is always a need for housing, but we need amenities as well.

“I am not normally against additional dwellings, but you don’t want overdevelopment, you don’t want it to have impact on the community or lose of a business.

“It will be interesting to see what people have to say.”