A RAPIDLY expanding chain of independent bakeries aiming to take on giants like Greggs is eyeing up a new spot in Leigh.

Bake Essex, co-owned by chef Ross Devonshire and Memet Hassan, originally opened up on the Ridgeway in Chalkwell last February, before opening a a second site on Manners Way, Prittlewell, earlier this year.

Now, plans have been submitted for the “traditional” bakery to replace the former Dining Room restaurant in London Road, Leigh.

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.

Bake Essex serves up freshly baked cakes, pastries, and bread, along with sandwiches made using ingredients largely from Essex-based suppliers.

Ross, 30, previously told the Echo his chain of bakeries could compete with big names like Greggs for a slice of the pie and the firm has been praised for its bid to move into London Road.

Leigh councillor, Carole Mulroney, told the Echo she is pleased to see new and independent business in the area.

“It’s really great to see an independent business, and something like a bakery it’s the sort of business people really want in the area,” she said.

“We’re blessed to have two already, the Dining Room is quite a big area so I imagine the new bakery would be quite prestigious, “New business coming in is always welcome, bakeries in previous years have lost out to supermarkets so to see them coming back is really great.”

As part of the former restaurant’s 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.

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

The proposals are being considered by Southend Council.