A CHARITY could be in line for a new home if its planning application is successful.

Braintree Youth Project Charity was forced out of its premises in Leather Lane after landlords hiked the rent up by 25 per cent.

A planning application submitted last month revealed the charity has applied to change the use of Fountain Cottages in St Michaels Road, which is also under offer.

The cottages were last used by Citizens Advice last year.

The application by trustee Andrew East said: “The charity is a Christian organisation that operates a youth club/drop-in centre and provides somewhere safe for young people to congregate and offers opportunities for them to have fun, grow and receive support when they need it.

“The charity has operated from its premises in Leather Lane for approximately three years but, following the expiry of the lease, has now vacated.

“The premises have, subject to a planning application, been identified as a suitable alternative location. It is hoped that the premises are in use by the charity in the manner sought by September 2016. However, the charity cannot take a commercial risk on entering into a lease without having the assurance of having the appropiate planning consent in place.”