Maldon's famous sea salt company is expanding its business premises.

Plans to build a new processing, packaging and storage plant on the outskirts of the town have been submitted to the district council for approval - but it has nothing to do with TV cook Delia Smith.

Spokeswoman for the Maldon Crystal Salt Company Gillian Soudah explained the company had needed to expand before all the recent publicity generated by Delia, who said the salt was the best in the world.

"It takes a lot longer than two to three weeks to find a site and get plans drawn up. It is something that has been on-going for some while.

"Orders have significantly increased over the years and we have needed to keep up with that. It is a hand-made product and we have not been able to make all we want."

The company will retain its existing business at the quayside at Maldon where the crystal salt production will continue.

Packaging, processing and storage will take place at Wycke Hill Business Park if the application is approved.

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