Maldon Town Council will vote on plans to turn the former premises of a travel agent on Maldon High Street into a boutique cocktail bar tonight (Monday, 26 July).

The new Ginny's Bar would replace the old Tui shop at 70B, High Street, under plans to change its use from a retail to a drinking establishment over two floors.

The plans, from pubs and bars firm Ginny's Limited, include internal alterations to the premises and state that the bar would create an estimated three full-time and five part-time jobs.

In the long-term, the applicants hope to establish an events service to offer bar set-ups at weddings and parties, alongside the production of canned cocktails for wholesale and retail distribution via a hired canning line.

The bar would be open from Wednesday to Sunday each week, with hours as follows:

Wednesday: 12pm to 12am

Friday: 12pm to 1am

Sunday: 12pm to 11pm

Environmental Health, a consultee on the application, has no objections to the plans but said that it has concerns about noise management from the bar, including its proposed hours of use.

It therefore recommended that development should not commence until a noise management plan is submitted to and approved by the local planning authority.

The conservation officer for Maldon District Council, also consulted on the proposals, said: "No. 70B is not listed but it falls within the Maldon Conservation Area. It makes a neutral contribution to the special character and appearance of Maldon.

"The proposed change of use of this retail unit into a cocktail bar would result [in] no harm to the special character or appearance of this part of the Maldon Conservation Area.

"I would however recommend a condition to ensure that the new signage respects the special character of the area in terms of materials and finishes and any form of illumination used."

The officer did not object to the application, on the condition that details of the design, materials and finish of the new fascia sign be submitted to and agreed in writing by the local planning authority before its installation.

The town council will debate the proposal tonight, when it will either vote through or object to the plans. Maldon District Council will then make the final decision.