Heckford Angel Colchester to be reopened as restaurant

The Heckford Angel, in Maldon Road, Heckfordbridge, has been earmarked for development since it closed several years ago.

Its owners have now been granted permission to breathe new life into it after their latest scheme was approved.

The Grade II listed building, near to Colchester Zoo, will be reopened as a 50 seat restaurant which will boast a 12 room bed and breakfast offering.

New life - the Heckford Angel will be transformed into a restaurant and bed and breakfast (Image: Newsquest)

Plans for a 100 seat restaurant were approved in 2018 but interest waned due to the Covid pandemic and the vision never got off the ground.

Now the historic building has had its future confirmed following consultation with villagers and Colchester Council.

The applicant said both Birch Parish Council and the wider community expressed an “overwhelming desire” to maintain the building as a village asset.

One supporter wrote: “The pub needs to be returned to its former glory as it has deteriorated over the last few years.

“It will be nice for the village to have a restaurant and have somewhere for the village residents to meet.”

The planning document reveals “extensive works” are required on the building “to ensure its continued survival”.

It includes demolishing the front access porch and rear access which both date back more than 50 years to June 1970.

The applicant claims this work will “better reveal the listed building and remove harmful additions”.

Popular idea - villagers have thrown their support behind the plans (Image: Google)

Birch Parish Council said it “sincerely” hoped the project would be underway at the start of this year.

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 create a hotel and offices, however these plans did not progress.

A supporter added: “We have reviewed the plans and feel they are aesthetically pleasing and will be welcomed by our family.”