The shop has been empty since 2020 when Ponden Home Interiors and Edinburgh Woollen Mill closed down.
But now plans have been submitted to Brentwood Council for permission to divide the existing building, enabling a restaurant to operate from the front.
Developers have already been given permission to demolish the rear of the property to build 13 flats above a new ground floor commercial property.
A planning statement submitted as part of the application to the council said the only external works needed would be the installation of an extraction vent in an existing lightwell.
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The statement added: “It cannot be seen from the conservation area. If the change of use and vent is allowed then it will mean that the building can be brought back into use and the front elevation including the notable shop front can be renovated.
“In addition to the vent this application only requires minor internal works that do not affect the conservation area.
“There are also no listed buildings adjacent to the property that could be affected by the change of use or internal works. The rear elevation of the building will be rendered and a new shop front added.
“This will improve the appearance at the rear of the property.
“There are no external alterations affecting the conservation area proposed and consequently, there is no impact on character.”
