Exciting plans to transform a landmark building into a coffee shop and general store have been given the go-ahead.

Last Tuesday councillors at Braintree Council unanimously approved the plans to give The Chapel in High Garrett a near-£400,000 makeover to house a butcher, baker and provide locally-sourced items such as fruit and vegetables.

The upper floor will also be turned into a gift shop and cafe, to create a multi-purpose space for community groups.

Gosfield resident Samantha Delany is joining former neighbour Ajay Odedra in a bid to take over the now disused gift and home interiors shop, which closed earlier this year.

Mrs Delany, 41, who will be the general manager of the store, said: “We are thrilled that the plans we approved and we are really excited to get started."

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.