A POPULAR coffeehouse company has refused to comment on the possibility of bringing a new shop to the town as an old restaurant is being demolished.

The old Frankie and Benny's restaurant in Braintree has been knocked down following its closure last year.

The restaurant chain announced in June 2020 it would be closing down 125 branches, which included the restaurant located just off the Galleys Corner area near the A120 by Braintree.

An application was granted by Braintree Council last December, after Developer Abbottswick had put forward plans to replace the old restaurant with a new drive-through building.

The application detailed plans to demolish the existing building and put up a new Starbucks cafe with 'drive-thru' facility.

The on-site car park would have 18 spaces.

There would also be a large order waiting bay beyond the drive-thru collection window, along with space for nine vehicles to queue.

When asked about the plans, Starbucks refused to speculate, saying that they have no updates to provide.

A spokesman said: “We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks Experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no updates to share about plans in Braintree.”

However, despite this, plans to erect Starbucks signage has also been approved by Braintree Council.

In January, the plans were given the green light, which include illuminated signs and a menu board.