BLUEPRINTS for a new wine shop and bar in Frinton have been welcomed.

Susanna Roberts wants to turn the former Hidden Bespoke Hair Design Salon, in Old Road, into a new shop, called Wine-Boutique Frinton.

She has applied to Tendring Council for permission for change of use at the site to create a drinking establishment.

The wine shop would create one full time and two part time jobs and would be open from 11am to 9pm from Wednesday to Saturday.

The applicant said the aim is “to create a wine shop in which customers can also have a drink”.

The application added it would sell “high quality wines from small producers”.

The company also runs a wine and beer shop in Felixstowe, which features 300 wines from a range of small growers.

Residents protested against the opening of the town’s only pub, The Lock and Barrel in Connaught Avenue, when it first opened in 2000, but it appears that the wine shop will not suffer similar disapproval.

Councillor Nick Turner welcomed the plans.

“I’m really pleased for them and hope it works,” he said.

“We’ve had some really nice wine bars in the past, but they have not always made a go of it,” he said.

“Hopefully as this is away from the main drag of Connaught Avenue the rents will be a bit cheaper.

“I wish then the best of luck.”

A decision on the application is expected to be made by Tendring Council by February 13.