DEVELOPERS have unveiled new plans which could see a closed pub revamped as a restaurant and bed and breakfast.
The Heckford Angel, in Maldon Road, Colchester, has been empty for a number of years.
Previous plans to create a 100 seat restaurant in the Grade II listed building were approved back in 2018.
But the pub owners now say those plans are “unviable”.
Instead, they have proposed a new scheme which would see the pub renovated to create 50 seat pub and 12 room bed and breakfast.
The planning bid said there had been a “wave of interest” following the initial plans but this had since dwindled.
It said: “Since then however, interest has waned, not least due to the almost complete cessation of dining out etc as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, and subsequent and ongoing economic conditions.
“Having taken further advice from various agents, the owners believe that they are now unlikely to find an operator for the 100 cover scheme, at the rental value required to recover the investment input to create the extension, and carry out the necessary works to the listed building.”
The documents reveal the pub needs “extensive works” to “ensure its continued survival”.
The bed and breakfast plan would included 12 rooms with ensuites.
The planning documents added: “It is felt that this approach would be of greater interest to a single landlord / operator who would be able to live in the existing first floor flat, rather than looking to a larger multi-site operator or chain.
“It is also felt that the accommodation could be provided within a phased manner to suit income streams.”
In years gone by, the building sat among cottages, rear barns, workshops and maltings but these have been demolished.
When the site was first purchased developers had hoped to refurbish the pub and to create a hotel and offices however these plans did not progress.
Colchester Council will have the final say on the current plans.
To view the plans visit www.colchester.gov.uk/planning-search-results/
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