Flats could be built above a high street shop in Witham

The East of England Co-op has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of its former home store in Newland Street.

Plans include the redevelopment of the building next door, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services branch, to create larger premises.

Neighbour and tenant Sun Studio will also benefit from refurbished premises, with the first floor converted to four flats.

Nick Denny, joint chief executive for the East of England Co-op said: “We’re pleased to be sharing our plans for the redevelopment of our premises on Newland Street, as well as the development of new homes.

“By revitalising our property and bringing in a new tenant, we hope to entice more people to the area benefitting other local businesses and the community.

“The Co-op’s former Homestore store has been marketed for some time and we’re very pleased that a gym provider will be taking on the unit, subject to planning approval.”

The plans would see a change of use of number 111 to a tanning or beauty salon and number 113 to accommodate the expansion and amalgamation with the Co-operative Funeral Directors next door.

The design and access statement, published on October 7, said: "At ground floor the proposal is to demolish the existing concrete garage and the single storey rear extensions to the rear of number 111.

"This will release valuable space to build a new garage attached to the rear of the existing buildings.

"Attaching the buildings will allow the applicant to operate the business more efficiently and with more privacy.

"On the upper floor the proposal is to convert the currently vacant floor area into one bedroom apartments.

"Access to the flats will be from the new vehicle parking area in Kings Chase, this will be identified with a roof canopy and good external lighting."

If permission is granted work will begin early next year