A HAIR salon owner has hit out at Epping town councillors after they opposed his plans to offer wines and coffees at his High Street business.

Robert Bell, of the UK Salon Group, has reacted angrily to suggestions made by town councillors that he had not done his homework before submitting a planning application to offer wine shop and coffee bar facilities at his salon at 175 High Street.

The planning committee is objecting to the application, concerned at a loss of retail space along the High Street.

However district council planning officers are recommending the plans be approved when they are discussed by councillors at the on Wednesday.

A report to the meeting states: "The proposal does not result in the loss of a retail unit, it merely allows the existing use to diversify and adapt to meet changing requirements.

"The site is in any case outside the key area in which retail frontage is strongly protected.

"Concern has been raised by an existing local business that the proposal will impact on their trade. This is a matter of competition which is of little weight in the consideration of the application."

Hitting back at the comments made at the town council meeting when his application was opposed, Mr Bell, who runs five salons across east London and west Essex, said: "I'm well known and respected and resent them saying I haven't done my homework. How dare they. I've been in the business for 31 years and I've done my homework."

Mr Bell wants to offer a unique experience' by offering wine and spirits to his customers, and a cafe style' area for passing trade.

He said: "All my customers think it's a good idea and with today's economic climate you have to do something new."

Mr Bell was critical of the town council and contends the comments reflect badly on his business.

He said: "They need to do their homework if they don't want shops empty.

They don't realise what situation the retail market is in. Their comments don't make me look good - they make me look like I'm trying to salvage my business. We're struggling, but we're not closing."