A former bank will be turned into a funeral directors if a planning application is successful.

The NatWest branch in Halstead High Street, which closed in 2015, has stood empty for more than three years.

Daniel Robinson & Sons, which owns the building, is set to take it over as part of a business expansion.

Plans include two flats for members of staff on the first floor, one of which includes an extension.

The application, received by Braintree Council on June 22, said: “The company is expanding continuously and Daniel Robinson & Sons acquired the former NatWest Bank building in High Street, Halstead, with the intention to convert the building into another branch for their business.

“The proposal is to carry out refurbishment works to the existing first floor, forming two staff flats, with an extension to the front flat.

“A new vehicular entrance is proposed from the centre to the rear courtyard with the provision of three parking spaces.”

If plans are approved, this will make it the second branch in the town, with one already in Trinity Street.

Braintree Council is due to make a decision by September 3.

Daniel Robinson & Sons was contacted for comment but was unavailable.