A FRESH proposal for Halstead service station has been revealed as it appears plans for the town’s first Pret A Manger may have been axed.

Motor Fuel, which owns the service station on the corner of Trinity Street and Kings Road, has submitted new plans to Braintree Council.

Plans were previously submitted to change the site in summer last year, which included demolishing the vacant showroom, and opening a Pret A Manager.

However, despite those plans being approved, a new proposal has now been submitted.

The new scheme is looking to demolish the vacant former showroom building to add three new jet wash bays and new customer parking.

The planning document states: “The application scheme proposes to add three new jet wash bays and new customer parking bays onto the service station site, replacing the showroom building intended to be demolished.

“By utilising under used areas of the site to provide these features will improve the use and function of the service station.

“Staffing for the service station comprises two full time staff with four part time staff and this staffing level will be maintained.

“The site is currently consented to operate 24 hours every day and it is intended that the proposed jet washes will operate between 7am to 10pm every day.

“Enhancing the site by having vehicle jet washing facilities is a major trend within a modern service station which, together with better customer parking, has to evolve in response to accommodate and meet the changing needs and aspirations of consumers.”

The new plans make no reference to including a proposed extension to the existing shop for a Pret A Manager like the previously approved plans.

So, at this stage, it remains a mystery as to whether the café chain will still be coming to Halstead.

Halstead Town Council have proposed no objection to the new plans but noted a potential disruption through noise to the residents of Trinity Court, and the run-off of water which might freeze in winter.

Braintree Council will rule on the fresh plans.