ANOTHER new restaurant could be opening in Rayleigh town centre, if plans to convert a 16th-century building are approved.

Rochford District Council is being asked to agree proposals to convert offices in Church Street, near the top of the High Street, into a restaurant.

The offices were used by accountants Scott, Temple Wilsher & Co, who moved out recently.

In his application, owner Phil Thomas claims the building is “not being used to its potential”, as only a third of it is currently rented out.

Agent Bernard Gooding said: “It’s a very old, timber-framed restaurant, a particularly nice and interesting building.

“In its current use as an office, it is locked up and only two to three people can see it.

“The owner wants to open it up as a restaurant so the public can go in and see and use it.

“Internally, it’s beautiful, with lots of exposed timber, a real ‘olde worlde’ look.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity if the council allows us to use it.”

The building’s exterior would not be altered under the proposals, but the plans do involve the installation of a modern, commercial kitchen and and extraction system.

Mr Gooding said Mr Thomas had yet to decide what kind of restaurant it would be.

Town centre traders recently expressed concerns about the number of restaurants and coffee shops in the middle of Rayleigh, and the consequent loss of shops.

However, Mr Gooding said: “We are not losing any shops through this application, because it is being used as an office at the moment.

“People who come and use the restaurant will also spend money in the shops, so it’s to their advantage.”

The council will aim to make a decision on the application by July 2.