Bus Stop Plan

A LEIGH bus shelter in a “poor state of repair” in the Old Town could be transformed into a takeaway kiosk, a planning application submitted to Southend Council has revealed.

The plans, lodged by Fruits of the Sea, submit proposals to transform the erstwhile shelter, next to the Leigh Sailing Club, into a takeaway kiosk for food.

The planning document, submitted by Southend-based Skarchitects, added: “The building is located in an important part of Old Leigh as it is the first structure that pedestrians encounter when arriving from the tow path.

“It faces directly onto Leigh Beach and sits below the terrace of Leigh Sailing Club.

“It presents a very negative ‘entrance’ to the old town and is at odds with the otherwise well-kept area.

“The proposal will have a positive impact on the Conservation Area and will tidy up and revitalise an important gateway to the Old Town that is currently very tired and underused.

“The proposal will make best use of this prime spot at the entrance to Old Leigh.”

Richard Longstaff, Green Party councillor for Leigh ward, reportedly supported the proposal, adding the scheme “would make use of dead space,” but added that he would “advise a condition not to allow the sale of single-use plastics.”

A leigh resident who uses the nearby beach regularly, and who did not wish to be named, said they were against the idea.

They said: “I am tired of every bit of Leigh repurposed and commercialised for food and drink.”

The planning application will be decided upon by Southend Council.

Read more.

Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news

Contact us. Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news

Twitter: @leighonsea_news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news