A prominent Essex business is working to breathe life back into an empty high street unit with plans for a new bar.

Oysterfleet PLC has submitted a licence application to Castle Point Council to transform the unused former Co-operative Supermarket at 246-250 High Road, South Benfleet, into a lively new venue.

The firm runs Oysterfleet Hotel in Canvey Island which opened in 1995 and boasts 16 rooms and a 60-seat restaurant.

In 2012 the company expanded and opened Oyster Bay Sports Bar along Canvey Island’s seafront and later opened a similar venue, Oyster Court Sports Bar, in Southend.

The Oysterfleet website says the company "continually looking for opportunities to expand" and the old Co-op unit, which has remained empty since the company relocated 289-291 on the High Road, is its next target for development.

The company has applied for late night music and alcohol licenses at the proposed venue, named Oyster Grove Brasserie and Bar.

If approved, the venue would see alcohol on sale until 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Live music would also be provided, as late as 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, with licence applications also lodged for live dance performances.

The council will decide on application no earlier than Friday, August 13 – the deadline for representations.