Plans to turn the former premises of a travel agent on Maldon High Street into a boutique cocktail bar over two floors have been approved by Maldon District Council (MDC).

MDC planning officers have granted permission to pubs and bars firm Ginny's Limited, which has its offices in Burnham-on-Crouch, to change the use of the site from retail to a drinking establishment.

The new Ginny's Bar will be located on the premises of the former Tui shop at 70B High Street.

Officers also approved plans to make internal alterations to the premises to create the new bar.

The bar plans to hold parties, events and cocktail-making classes on its first floor and to host live pianists and small jazz bands in the evenings, most likely on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Maldon Town Council (MTC) previously recommended approval of the application, from pubs and bars firm Ginny's Limited, but raised concerns that it would be noisy for nearby residents.

In the planning documents, applicant Misha Rosenthall, director of Ginny's Limited, said: "No loud or amplified music is going to be played.

"The rest of our music will be kept at background level and will not cause any noticeable disruption to nearby or neighbouring residents."

The company also revised the bar's opening hours so that it now plans to open from 5pm to 12am between Wednesdays and Fridays and 12pm to 12am on the weekend, instead of closing at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The company will also have to submit a noise management plan, including hours of operation, and details relating to extraction equipment and refuse storage to the local planning authority prior to opening.

The development will not result in an increased off-street parking requirement.

The bar plans to create an estimated three full-time and five part-time jobs, and the company intends to sign up to the Living Wage Foundation.

It hopes to support local suppliers and offer smaller, niche brands more local exposure, while planning to offer a range of artisan cocktails that are not currently available on the High Street.

There are no plans to alter the exterior of the building other than the signage, for which the company will need planning permission and advertisement consent.

Misha said that the company will consult with MDC's planning and conservation officers before making any decisions about exterior signage, and "will apply for any permission that is needed before work has started".