A chain restaurant is seeking permission for pavement seating outside its town centre branch.

Prezzo has applied for a pavement permit for three tables and 12 seats outside its restaurant in Newland Street, Witham.

The Italian chain opened its Witham site in November after the building, previously occupied by the Discount Superstore shop, underwent structural repairs.

Witham Town Council and the Rotary Club of Witham have both asked that the proposed seating area is reduced in size from mid-November to mid-January to allow the town’s Christmas tree to remain in its current location.

Braintree Council’s licensing committee will rule on the application on Wednesday.