PLANS for a coffee shop which hopes to boost business in a 'run down' part of town have been approved.

Starboard PM LTD is working with a Colchester couple to open a franchise in the old Linens Direct shop, at the entrance of Priory Walk.

The franchise will be for Triple Two Coffee - a company known for its fresh food and wide range of hot beverages.

Priory Walk has been a talking point for some time after Peacocks closed its doors last summer.

If everything goes to plan, it is hoped the coffee shop will open in the spring.

Colchester Council approved the plans, but there are a number of conditions.

Work on the coffee shop must start within three years, and it is not allowed to operate before 7.30am or after 6.30pm on weekdays and Saturdays.

On Sundays it must not operate before 9am or after 5pm.

No deliveries are allowed before 7am or after 7pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and there shall be no deliveries on Sundays.