Plans have been submitted to split a Watford restaurant — with a mystery business apparently lined up to open.

A commercial business operator is “keen” to take over the former Chiquito unit, in Woodside Leisure Park, according to a planning application submitted to Watford Borough Council yesterday (May 24).

However, it added that the unnamed business thinks the space is too large and the plan seeks to split it into two units with a planning application required because a new entrance would be added for the second unit, also set to be leased for commercial use.

A supporting statement, submitted with the plan, said: “Ultimately, the provision for modern, efficient, and functional commercial units will ensure the long-term viability of the leisure park.”

One unit would be more than double the size of the other and both the units would be for retail, restaurant, or takeaway use.

The prospective tenants are responsible for applying for consent for advertising, the plan says. When submitted, these applications will likely reveal what business is set to open.

Chiquito closed in Watford in 2020.