A used car business hopes to move into part of a farm now its old premises have been earmarked for housing.

Auto 2000 will soon move out of its current home in Windmill Hill, Enfield after planning permission was granted to turn it into 70 flats.

As the car company approaches its twentieth year in business, it is looking for a new base to sell on the vehicles it buys through online auctions.

In an application submitted to Epping Forest District Council, owner Scott Walker has requested permission to convert a grain storage building at Tawney Farm in Theydon Mount.

Part of his proposals reads: "Auto 2000 employs myself, Scott Walker, and my partner Zoe Benbrook.

"We will be both living at Tawney Farm. In addition to ourselves we have two sales staff, one full-time, one part time, and a driver.

"Auto 2000 carries around 50 to 60 cars at anyone time so we can store all the cars inside and under the cover with plenty of room to spare. No cars will be outside in the open space on view.

"Most of the second-hand motor trade is now moving to locations like Tawney Farm."

Mr Walker added that if the plans were approved, all maintenance work would be carried out by Epping based mechanics.