Plans for a new bar and restaurant set to open on Maldon High Street have been 'withdrawn', days before it was due to open.

Salero Lounge had been planned to open in Maldon's old Post Office on Wednesday (September 27), but the opening was postponed.

A spokesperson for hospitality chain Loungers PLC told Nub News the delay was down to "water damage".

They said: "The opening of Salero Lounge has been temporarily delayed.

"During works to preserve the historic building we have uncovered some water damage in the roof area which our Landlord is now repairing."

Two separate planning applications regarding the new restaurant were due to be considered by the Council at a Central Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, the same day it was set to open.

One application referred to the installation of 'condenser units' and a full internal refurbishment, while the other proposed the installation of signage and external alterations to the listed building.

However, a council source has confirmed they were withdrawn on Monday (September 25).

Following ongoing renovations, Salero Lounge was planned to officially open in Maldon High Street next month. Examples of other Lounges are shown for illustration. (Credit: Loungers PLC)

The Loungers build and design team aimed to transform a 'disused' Victorian building at 43-45 High Street, in their "unmistakable and unique" style.

However, Maldon Town Council's Planning Committee, chaired by Councillor John Driver, resolved to refuse the recommendation of planning approval last month. They said the proposal constituted an "unneighbourly form of development", likely to result in harm to the amenity of neighbouring residents.

Resident Katie Mellia, who lives in a flat above the proposed restaurant, also objected to the application.

"Fundamentally, there has been no thought given whatsoever to the residents and owners of the three flats at the old Post Office throughout the designs and plans," she said.

Concerns had also been raised about the potential for deliveries to be made in the High Street, which risked congesting the road further. Instead, Bull Lane was likely to be used.

"Bull Lane is a very narrow, bumpy and uneven lane not suitable for a large number of deliveries taking place in large and heavy vehicles," Miss Mellia added.

A Loungers spokesperson has been approached for further comment.

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