THE former home of an estate agents’ office on Maldon high street has been earmarked for a refurbishment project to turn it into flats.

Plans have been submitted to Maldon District Council to create three one-bedroom flats and a work area in 20 High Street, the former offices of Bairstow Eves.

The building itself has stood for centuries in the town, as seen by its Grade-II listing.

According to Historic England, the timber-framed structure has elements from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries.

A design and access report, prepared by architect firm Annabel Brown, said: “Our proposal aims to re-purpose this building into three individual units, comprising of a live-work unit on the ground floor, a one bed first floor apartment and a one-bedroom cottage on two levels to the rear.

“The works are predominantly internal, any new external work will be to match existing and also strategically positioned in existing openings to prevent loss of historic fabric.

“The scheme has been carefully designed to limit any loss of historic fabric and to emulate the detailing of the original building, taking special care to preserve and restore the historic timber frame.”

Maldon District Council will have the final say.