A former hairdressers could be converted into a vintage tearoom if plans are approved.
Mechanical engineer Michael Lamb, of Hall Road, Panfield, is hoping to turn an empty shop, which used to house Flame Hairdressers, into an "olde-worlde" tearoom, serving traditional teas, coffees, cakes and sandwiches.
He said: "This is a Grade II listed building which is a couple of hundred years old so it's taken a while to get going but Braintree Council has put the planning notices up for the next 21 days so it seems to be moving along now.
"We are hoping and planning to open The Quinteassential Tea Shop in the new year."
Two previous applications to change the shop, which has been empty since February, into a fast food restaurant were refused.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here