PLANS to open what would be Halstead’s only Pret A Manger as part of a service station revamp have taken a step closer to becoming a reality after town councillors welcomed the proposal.
Motor Fuel Group, which owns the service station on the corner of Trinity Street and Kings Road, is looking to refurbish the site.
The owners previously submitted plans to Braintree Council to change the service station in the summer of last year, which included opening a Greggs.
However, despite those plans being approved, a new proposal has now been submitted.
A statement says: “The application was approved for the knock-down and rebuild of the forecourt building, however, this new proposal is suggested to be more efficient and road-user friendly.”
Halstead Town Council has now had its say on the application after holding a council meeting earlier this month.
At the meeting, the council offered no objection, as they had done in last year’s Greggs-based proposals.
However, the council once again echoed issues raised previously in the hopes they are taken on board by Braintree Council planners.
If possible, Halstead councillors would like to see a one-way exit and entrance to the site and clarity over the current “cluttered” signage, which can block the view of traffic.
Halstead Town Council chairwoman Jackie Pell previously said the application would be “difficult to refuse” and hopes that, if plans go ahead, it will make the site less of an “eyesore” to residents.
The proposal for no objection was made by councillor Pell, seconded by councillor James Bond and unanimously agreed.
The application proposes demolishing the current empty showroom and furniture store to allow for a side forecourt shop extension at the Halstead service station.
There would also be the introduction of electric vehicle charging bays and customer parking in place of the demolished building.
The proposal to extend the forecourt shop would provide a mixed-use facility of retail space and a Pret A Manger food area with seating.
The statement says the opening hours for the forecourt shop would remain as currently operated - 24 hours every day.
The forecourt shop and food outlet would continue to be operated by the applicant.
Braintree Council will make the final decision on the plans.
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