A NEW wine bar could be coming to Halstead after plans to change a Grade II listed building were revealed.
Plans have been submitted to Braintree Council for change of use from a commercial/retail to licensed premises.
The building, at the top of Halstead High Street, was previously home to financial advisors Gainsborough Wealth Management.
The change of use will see the current vacant shop become a small wine bar if the application gets the green light.
No other internal or external changes are required.
The residential flat above is owned by the applicants and the proposed licensed premises will also be run by them.
The proposed bar would have limited licensed opening hours from 2pm to 11pm on Wednesday to Friday, 12noon to 11pm on Saturdays and bank holidays, and from 12noon to 10pm on Sundays.
The application says: “The applicants would also look to offer the premises as a community space between non-licensed hours during weekdays.
“There is good local transportation through the town, high street parking and longer stay available at various location in close proximity.”
The property is a Grade II listed 18th Century timber framed building.
Due to this, specialist archaeological advice has been provided by Braintree Council, as well as from an Essex County Council historic buildings consultant.
The former proposed no objection to the application.
A statement reads: “No alterations or changes to the historic fabric of the building are proposed and there should be no impact on any historical fixtures or fittings from the proposed change of use.”
The historic buildings consultant also proposed no objection, but asked for more details.
A report reads: “The building is in a prominent position within the Halstead Conservation Area and it makes a positive contribution to the area’s character and special interest.
“In principle, I would have no objection to the reuse of the building as a wine bar. However, the current application lacks sufficient detail.
“Given the potential for an impact on the appearance and character of the listed building and the Conservation Area, further details of the proposed new wine bar, its layout and signage and clearly annotated existing and proposed plan drawings are necessary.”
The plans are due to go before Halstead Town Council on Monday.
Braintree Council will have the final say.
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