PLANS for a former estate agents office in Petersfield to become a high end tea room with a literary flavour are on the table.

South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) planners are studying a change of use application for the former Henry Adams estate agent in High Street.

They are to decide if the 104m square ground floor of the three-storey building can be used to serve tea, cakes and other light refreshment, rather than sell houses.

The two flats above the shop will remain as they are.

Behind the change of use application is The Beatons Tearooms franchise founded by Patrick Duffy, and based in Tisbury in Wiltshire.

It is named after Sir Cecil Beaton, who was a mid-20th century photographer, diarist, painter, interior designer, writer and Academy Award-winning stage and costume designer for theatre and films.

The franchise concept is based on waiting staff serving high end tea at customers’ tables in a traditional way.

A literary slant is also on the menu.

Planning agent for Beatons Matthew Utting, said: “Beaton’s specialises in offering a wide selection of fine teas and homemade cakes, light lunches and high teas.

“Books and other reading material are offered for sale as a complement to the pleasant and relaxing environment.

“From time to time, book readings and signings take place, but these are very much ancillary to the tearoom operation.

“Beatons tearooms elsewhere have become local meeting places and a focus of community activity, and the same is anticipated in Petersfield.

“This proposal will enhance the choices available to those who live, work, and visit the town.”

In a report to planners, he said the shop will open seven days a week, from 8.30am to 5pm, and staff would be there from 7am to 6pm every day.

The report also said that customer parking shouldn’t be a problem, as there were car parks nearby and parking along High Street.

The report adds the tearoom wouldn’t be noisy, or create unpleasant food preparation odours.

To view the change of use application, visit the South Downs National Park Authority planning search webpage at www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning/planning-applica tions, and find the plans which are reference SDNP/17/03306/PA3C.