PLANS for a wine bar in Halstead have been recommended for approval.

Frank Ladkin, of Framar Devlopment, has applied to convert 3 Market Hill, what was Halstead Carpet and Curtain Company, into a wine bar and restaurant, plus six residential units.

The application also seeks a change of use to convert to a drinking establishment.

Halstead Town Council raised no objections to the commercial proposal, although the council objected to the residential part of the application on the grounds of overdevelopment and poor vehicular access.

But Braintree Council officers have recommended that planning permission is granted at a meeting on Tuesday.

Essex County Council Highways department suggested the application is refused, as it fails to provide sufficient off-road parking facilities.

When the planning application was initially submitted, several objections wer raised by residents, highlighting access issues for large vehicles, insufficient parking, and claims it would significantly alter the fabric of an historic building.