A proposal by the owners of Southminster Hall to turn part of the building into a wedding venue will be voted on by Maldon district councillors next week.

Members of the Cooper family, who have owned Southminster Hall on Hall Road for over 60 years, hope to turn part of the building into a ceremony room.

They also want to convert its outbuildings into overnight accommodation, add a marquee, outdoor toilet facilities and a parking area.

The rest of the Victorian building would be retained as private residential use.

If approved, the wedding venue would create three jobs - one full-time and two part-time employees would be recruited.

Planning officers have recommended approval of the application, saying that it would result in "economic benefits for the local area and the district".

They added: "The development would not cause material harm to the character and appearance of the rural area as a result of the marquee and parking area proposed.

"Furthermore, the proposal would not have a harmful impact on this locally listed building or its setting."

No objections to the proposal have been raised in relation to highway safety, access and parking.

The district council's south eastern area planning committee will make the final decision next Wednesday (13 October).

For more information, you can visit Southminster Hall's website using the link here.