A RESTAURANT in Stanford-le-Hope is hoping to secure planning permission for an extension that has already been built without consent.

Thurrock Peri Peri, located at 8 Corringham Road which was previously a vacated sandwich takeaway shop, has submitted a retrospective planning application to Thurrock Council for works that include an extension, a rear translucent corrugated roof and the removal of an external toilet.

The application also confirms the continued use of the premises as a restaurant.

The extension has increased the unit's size and now provides a disabled toilet, kitchen, servery, and additional seating area.

The premises was formally used as a sandwhich shop.

The side extension features a white render finish to match the neighbouring unit and a timber-felt flat roof. The rear roof includes an extract system and is described as more aesthetically pleasing than existing systems in nearby properties.

Applicants say the premises, which sits within Stanford-le-Hope's town centre, has a long-established history as a dining venue and continues to operate alongside Monty's Curry Centre next door, which is owned by the same proprietor.

According to the application, the extension supports the restaurant's ability to serve food and drinks primarily on-site, with some takeaway service.

Planning documents state that the front of the building remains unchanged apart from signage, and the applicant has indicated willingness to accept conditions relating to the signage and extract system if necessary.

The retrospective application argues that the development complies with local planning policy, citing its location within a designated shopping area and its unchanged use class. The applicant also claims the works improve accessibility and functionality without harming the character of the area.

How the frontage looks now.

There has been an objection to the scheme from a town resident who criticises the applicant for doing the work, then making the application.

Mr David Everett says: "My objection to these plans are, these retrospective applications are becoming the norm as applicants think by doing the work first then applying there is more chance of getting permission.

"As I live quite close to these takeaways and there are five in this row of shops and the smell from extractor fans can be overwhelming at time as I suspect the applicant was aware of. I realise extractors are necessary for these type of shops but now five in a row is becoming a joke.

"And this shop is directly next to a bus stop. Vehicles already park along here for Chinese, Turkish, fish and chips and Indian restaurant, making this part of the road very dangerous as vehicles pull out into the traffic flow. One more will make this even more dangerous.

"All these reasons seem to be connected to a retrospective application as the owner was well awareof them and did not apply earlier in the normal way for fear of being rejected. I would urge refusal of these plans."

Mr Everett's comments get no support from Thurrock Council's highways team. Its officer, Silvia Trifu, says the department has no objection.

Thurrock Council will now consider whether to grant permission for the completed works. If approved, the decision would formalise the extension and allow the restaurant to continue operating without enforcement action.