A GRADE II listed, community owned pub has received planning permission to further renovate the property.

The Kings Head, in The Street, Pebmarsh, was reopened last year thanks to the support of 320 shareholders, and the community raising more than £350,000.

Now the shareholders have received permission to re-roof the whole of the property and remove some disused chimneys at the same time.

A planning statement reads: "Taking the roof down in two phases will also allow the pub to remain open, as internal works to the chimney would shut the kitchen, and thus the pub.

"The minor loss of historic fabric is considered small in relation to the gains, which are both the safety of the building below, and space in the rooms below enabling the potential for installation of upgraded toilet and cellar facilities, and thus helping ensure the viability of the pub and it's long term survival."

The pub's initial opening date was forced backwards after a row over planning permission for renovations with Braintree Council.