A planning application relating to 36 Upminster Road South was submitted to Havering Council last month, seeking permission for the change of use of the site.
The retail space, though now vacant, is understood to have most recently been occupied by Village Blooms.
Billie Hanmore was one of the florists who worked at Village Blooms, and has revealed to this paper that the business moved premises last year.
Billie said: “It is a shame because for such a long time it was the flower shop, so it is a shame but it sort of is what it is I suppose”.
She added that the new florist has moved to 190 Upminster Road South and is currently undergoing works to reopen under her management.
Billie’s Blooms is expected to open to the public in mid-September.
Applicant Nik Preci is now seeking planning approval from the planning committee to see the shop space transformed to “revitalise” the unit.
If approved, a kitchen extraction and ventilation system would be installed, a food preparation area added alongside other layout changes, and the addition of an accessible WC.
The planned cafe would be a “small sit-in”, creating between three and four full time jobs in the area.
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Proposed hours for the eatery are from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and from 9am to 11pm on Sunday and bank holidays.
Writing on behalf of Mr Preci, Esi Licencing & Legal Consultancy Ltd wrote: “The proposed change of use from florist to café/restaurant will support the vibrancy of the local centre, bring a vacant unit back into use, and provide local employment.
“The installation of modern extraction equipment ensures no adverse impact on residential amenity, and the application accords with relevant local and national planning policies.”
