Proposals to turn a former bingo hall and nightclub in Dovercourt into a covered market have been given the green light.

The art deco-fronted building in Kingsway was most recently a restaurant and social club.

Under the plans approved by Tendring council, the basement will be converted into a market with 22 stalls along with a café.

The ground floor, first and second floor are to be turned into nine flats.

A roof terrace in the centre will act as a skylight, providing light to the market below.

There were 11 letters of opposition to the scheme. Harwich Town Council also objected, with concerns over parking provision, overdevelopment and impact on a conservation area.

However Tendring planning officers approved the scheme as in keeping with national and local planning policies, including bringing vacant town centre buildings back into use.