A SUPERMARKET chain is backing a proposal to revive a dance studio above one of its stores, 25 years after it originally received planning permission.

The Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society has supported plans to create a dance studio on the first floor above its store in Ferry Road, Hullbridge.

Plans for a dance studio were originally granted in March 1993, however the space was vacated some years ago.

The society is now searching for somebody to take on the space for a community programme.

A spokesman for Chelmsford Star Co-op, said: “A tenant has been found who wishes to run a dance school from the space.

“The proposed use of the space will be for the teaching of dance to mainly children aged four to 16-years-old, although it is hoped to be able to offer some adult classes in due course, but the primary focus is on children’s classes.”

The proposed space would be open between 4pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday with occasional weekend classes if desired by residents.

The studio will also be accompanied by two extra designated parking spaces and two more cycle spaces will also be created as part of the project.

The Co-operative society said it is keen to get the space back in use and it hopes it will be a popular place for young people in Hullbridge to go.

The planning consent for the use of space was given to the previous owner of a dance school at the space, however, after leaving the space, a new school could not come in and take over the studio.

The society wishes to get those terms lifted so that a new tenant and future tenants can keep the studio running for years to come.

A spokesman said: “Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society is pleased that it has found a tenant that wishes to run a dance school that will serve the local community and allow children to use their time constructively in developing their creativity through dance.

“Therefore, the society believes that the removing of the current restrictions is in the best interests of the local community.”