A unique project to build two 16th Century-style cottages in Old Leigh is ready and raring to go and just waiting for the green light from Southend Council.

Nearly £400,000 has been put aside for the ambitious scheme to recreate the Juniper cottages which were demolished in 1952.

And a total of 400 drawings have been submitted to council building control officers by Leigh businessman John Cross who is bringing in a team of specialist builders from Sussex to mastermind the development on the grounds of his Boatyard Restaurant.

Mr Cross, 62, said: "What we are proposing to do is marry the past with the present which will mean both cottages fitted with modern appliances but keeping their period feel."

He plans to turn the buildings into two shops - possibly selling pastries from the restaurant.

Published Monday, April 14, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo