Independent carpet retailer Kenbro Discount Carpets has submitted plans to convert its store space into a block of flats.

The family business, which has been trading for 45 years, has submitted an application to Southend Council to knock down its store and build a four-storey flats development.

Detailed in the plans, and if approved, the company said 34 flats will be built alongside three ground floor commercial units on Sutton Road.

The move follows two years of tough trading due to the pandemic and growing influence of online shopping, although the company’s owner, Ken White, did suggest that it may continue the business ‘by other means’ if the proposals are given the green light.

The council will consider the plans at an upcoming development committee.