Popular Chelmsford restaurant Back Inn Time could be demolished to make way for flats
A well-known Chelmsford restaurant could be demolished and replaced with a new development containing seven apartments under plans submitted to Chelmsford City Council.
A fresh planning application has been lodged for the site of Back Inn Time, the American-style restaurant in Cottage Place, close to Chelmsford railway station.
The proposals would see the existing restaurant building demolished and replaced with a mixed-use development comprising seven residential apartments and a commercial unit on the ground floor.
The application, submitted under reference 26/01296/FUL, was validated by Chelmsford City Council on October 5, 2026, and is currently awaiting a decision.
What is planned for Back Inn Time?
According to the planning application, the proposed development would involve:
- Demolition of the existing restaurant building.
- Construction of seven residential apartments.
- A new ground-floor commercial unit.
- Associated refuse storage and cycle parking facilities.
The commercial unit would fall within Class E planning use, which permits a range of commercial activities, potentially including retail, offices and certain food and drink businesses.
However, there is currently no confirmation about what business might occupy the proposed commercial space.
The application relates to the existing Back Inn Time premises at 13 Cottage Place, a short distance from Chelmsford railway station.
Previous plans were rejected
This is not the first attempt to redevelop the site.
An earlier planning application submitted in 2019 proposed demolishing the restaurant and replacing it with a mixed-use development containing 11 apartments and commercial space.
That application was refused by Chelmsford City Council in February 2020.
A revised proposal for seven apartments and a ground-floor commercial unit was subsequently submitted in 2021.
The council refused that application in June 2021, but the decision was later overturned following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
Further amendments to the approved development were granted in January 2023.
However, the previous planning permission expired in May 2026 without the development proceeding.
The latest application seeks fresh permission for a similar seven-apartment scheme.
Restaurant has been a familiar Chelmsford destination
Back Inn Time has long been a familiar name among Chelmsford diners, known for its American-themed surroundings and menu.
The restaurant is situated near the city centre and railway station, making it a recognisable local landmark.
Its potential demolition would represent another change to Chelmsford’s restaurant and hospitality landscape.
However, the submission of a planning application does not mean the restaurant is closing immediately.
There has been no confirmed closure date or announcement that demolition work is about to begin.
What happens next?
Chelmsford City Council will now consider the latest application as part of the planning process.
The proposals will be assessed against relevant planning policies, with representations and consultation responses considered before a decision is made.
Although a similar development previously secured permission following an appeal, the new application must still be determined on its own merits.
Residents can view the plans and supporting documents through Chelmsford City Council’s planning portal using reference 26/01296/FUL.
City Hub will continue to follow the application and report any decision affecting the future of Back Inn Time.