Fresh plans to convert an Indian restaurant in Southend have been unveiled.

The proposals would see the basement and ground floor of 28 Clifftown Road turned into two flats, with one based on each floor.

The two floors have been in use as the Keralam restaurant but the applicant behind the plans claims the Covid pandemic has “finished the business” and there is little chance of it being revived.

A similar bid to convert the two bottom floors of the restaurant was rejected by Southend Council earlier this year amid fears it would have had a negative impact on heritage assets in the area.

Concerns over alterations to the front of the building are said to have been addressed in the new application and the latest proposals mean there would be little change to the existing street scene.

No parking facilities would be available to new residents, but the applicant says they aren’t required due to the sites close proximity to Southend rail station.

The planning documents adds: “The remainder of the building is already in residential use.

“The proposed scheme fulfils a need for affordable, centrally located living accommodation and provides relevant storage and amenity space.

“The cited issue of a painted shopfront, with or without modest changes to the fenestration appears to be irrelevant, when seen in context with the existing streetscene.”

Southend Council will have the final say.