Yet another pub - or caf bar - looks set to take the place of traditional shopping space in Chelmsford town centre.

The whole of the New London Road frontage of the former Bolingbroke and Wenley store now seems likely to follow the example of large swathes of the Springfield Road area and other traditional retail sites in catering for the leisure industry.

But, say council chiefs, this is bringing a new vitality to the town and encouraging shoppers.

The fifth of what were to be five small shops on the New London Road frontage of the former store is likely to get the go-ahead today to join the other four in becoming a new pub.

Attempts to market them for retail uses have failed, councillors are being told in a report which adds that the site has become "peripheral" to the town centre.

Retailers preferred the High Street or High Chelmer, it concludes, as councillors are recommended to grant permission to Chartwell Land Development Ltd.

Earlier this year approval was given for four of the units to become a Bass Leisure public house, but, councillors are being told, that company has now withdrawn from negotiations.

The only interested operator was now JD Wetherspoon, but this was conditional on trading from all five units.

Derek Stebbing, local plans manager with Chelmsford Borough Council, said, "It is difficult to pinpoint the actual reason why there is the present lack of interest from retailers because Chelmsford continues to thrive as a retail centre.

"I think the reality is that the leisure sector, with this modern generation of pubs, is actually even stronger. The pubs that have come in recent years have added to the vitality of the town centre.

"There is a balance to be drawn and that is why we are recommending approval."

Cllr Keith Francis, vice-chairman of the planning committee, said the planned pub could be complementary to the town centre shopping.

Eddie Gershon, spokesman for JD Wetherspoon, said his company would decide, if planning permission is granted, whether to develop a traditional type pub or a newer-style caf bar.

The company already has one of each in Chelmsford and would like to open more in the town.

"There is a demand," he said. "It is a busy town and a lot of people use it for shopping."

Published Monday December 17, 2001