A coach house and storage building at Saffron Walden pub is set to be converted into a new café, with plans being submitted to the council.

Bosses of the Railway Arms in Station Road are proposing the new cafe at the coach house which is on the site of the pub business.

The plans propose to fully refurbish the coach house and convert it into a café "serving the local community". 

The ground floor is suggested as the position of the new kitchen, with a large cooker, fridge freezer and large worktops for meal preparation. 

The entrance and access to the main café area would be through the existing door, the shutter will be repaired and a new front door is installed to match the existing and the existing windows will be repaired or replaced with like-for-like windows, if the proposals are backed by the council. 

The plans also say how the main café area would comprise of a bar area, where hot and cold drinks are served, and tables which will be more easily accessible.

Under the plans, the new staircase to the first floor requires the enlargement of the existing hatch and on the first floor it is proposed to locate the main seating area, with a total of 46 seats.

The refurbishment of the existing building does not require any external alterations, except for the installation of new black painted timber windows on the first floor within the existing openings, according to the planning documents. 

The plans say: "The Railway Arms is now in community ownership, and is very successful. The proposed changes are a direct consequence of the community support for the pub.

"The conversion of the coach house into a café, will improve the success of the business serving the local community with no impact on historic assets.

"The planning application form does not allow for Monday to Thursday to be selected. To confirm, the café only intends to be open until 8pm on Fridays.

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"The hours of opening are Monday to Thursday 8am to 4.30pm, Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. The café will require a minimum of five employees.

"This may change and increase depending on demand. As well as whether employees are part-time or full-time.

"The proposed alterations will have little or no significant harm to the non-designated Heritage asset, and will enhance the setting and benefit the clientele of the Railway Arms.

"It will allow for growth in the local economy and offer employment opportunities."