A HISTORIC former shop in Colchester town centre could be turned into a nail bar if plans are approved.

The applicant has applied for planning permission to change the use of a grade II listed unit in Trinity Street, creating three new jobs.

The premises used to be home to a gift shop.

No external alterations to the building are planned, except changing the signage boards.

Efforts to let the building as a shop have been ongoing since February 2020, however, no new tenant was secured.

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A planning statement, compiled by Pomery Planning Consultants, said: "The property is located at the end of a terrace of buildings on the east side of Trinity adjacent to Colchester’s main library in the town centre.

"Presently, the ground floor has a retail use which was last used as a gift and home store.

"Whilst the building is listed, it is also within the town centre Conservation Area.

"The proposal involves the change of use of the ground floor only from retail use, Class E to use as a nail bar, which is a sui generis use.

"No works or operations are proposed externally or internally to the building, so no listed building consents are required.

"All equipment and furniture proposed will be free standing."

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.