PLANS to open a new £1million bar in Maldon High Street have been postponed.

Salero Lounge is set to become the latest addition to the Loungers chain of bars, restaurants and cafes across the country.

It was expected to open last week.

But Loungers said council planners did not feel they had enough time to consider all the information submitted with the application.

Bosses decided the best course of action was to withdraw and resubmit the application.

They said: “We have had extensive dialogue with the local planners, conservation officers and local residents to ensure our opening in Maldon is well received by both them and our neighbours.  

“The planning applications, which relate only to our installation of plant and condenser units and not the use of the property, had been in for some time and various items of supporting information were added to the application through the process.

“Unfortunately, the planners did not feel that they had sufficient time to consider all the information submitted with the application, prior to the September planning committee meeting, and in the circumstances we considered the best course of action was to withdraw and resubmit the applications.  

“We continue a positive dialogue with the planners and hope to have a decision soon to support our proposed £1million investment into the High Street and the creation of 35 new jobs in the Maldon area. 

“The roof works are ongoing to the property and we will confirm a new opening date for the site in due course. 

“Once complete, our works will create a truly special space for the community and will restore many of the historic features of the property which have been previously covered up.” 

A Maldon District Council spokesman said: “Maldon District Council received four applications associated with 43-45 High Street Maldon, including Listed Building and Advert consents.

"It did not receive the Noise Impact Assessment for the condenser units’ planning application which had been requested to be provided by Environmental Health until two weeks before the September Central Area Planning Committee.

"This was not enough time to fully evaluate the assessment and ensure residential amenity could be protected.

"Resubmitted applications have now been received from the applicant and have been validated for consultation.”    

The new venue would join more than 200 existing Loungers sites across England and Wales.

They operate under two separate brands - Lounge and Cosy Club.

There are already more than 120 Lounges nationwide, mainly located in suburban high streets and small town centres.

Although the visuals are generally consistent across Lounges, they each have unique names.

Maldon District Council have been approached for comment.