NEW plans could see a closed down restaurant demolished to make way for a new drive-thru coffee shop.

The Frankie and Benny's restaurant in Braintree could be in line to be knocked down following its closure this year.

The restaurant chain announced in June 2020 it would be closing down 125 branches.

Now the site could be set to get a complete overhaul after plans were submitted on June 11 to demolish the old building.

Developer Abbottswick Ltd has put forward plans to replace the old restaurant with a new drive-thru building.

The developers say this building will be used as a "Starbucks cafe."

The restaurant site is located just off the Galleys Corner area near the A120 by Braintree.

In a planning statement to Braintree Council, who will review te application, the developers state the new Starbucks would be a benefit to the town.

The statement said: "Planning permission is sought to demolish the existing building and in its place erect a new Starbucks cafe with 'Drive-Thru' facility.

"Car parking constitutes 18 spaces, including two disabled spaces, with overspill parking to the north of the main parking area.

"A 'large order; waiting bay beyond the Drive-thru collection window is also to be provided along with dedicated space for nine vehicles to queue.

"The design employed for the scheme is based upon Starbucks' 'house design; which is a recognised brand by many poeple.

"The architecture of the cafe is contemporary in its appearance.

"Food will not be cooked on the premises and as such only a general air extract system will be needed to be installed.

"The proposal would be of a high quality and sustainable form of design that would constitute an enhancement over the visual and environmental performance of the existing building on the site.

"The proposed development would create a significant number of new jobs for Braintree an amounts to sustainable development, the presumption in favour which is suppoorted both at the central and local level.

"It is therefore respectfully requested that the application is received favourably and granted planning permission by the Local Planning Authority.