An historic watering hole could be turned into a block of flats after the owners said it does not have a long-term future as a pub.

Bird in Hand, in Chapel Hill, Halstead, is now being offered as a development opportunity by estate agents William H Brown.

The pub, which is owned by Enterprise Inns, has been on the market with a pricetag of £470,000 for several weeks.

It is now being suggested potential buyers could turn the watering hole into a form of housing The pub already has accommodation in the form of two-bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and dining room.

A statement on the Williams H Brown website suggests buyers would have several options to develop the establishment.

It said: “The vendors have undertaken planning consultations which suggest a conversion of the existing building into a terrace of three bedroom cottages would be agreeable.

“The vendor has advised that the local authority are keen to see further residential development and further opportunities may exist to convert the existing building to six or seven flats.

“There may also be potential to add a bungalow to the rear where the later extension sits and potentially further accommodation in the garden to the left-hand side.”

The pub, which is Grade II listed, closed back in March when the landlords opted to leave, citing complaints about noise as one reason for their departure.

A spokesman for Enterprise Inns said: “As part of our ongoing business, we do from time to time identify a pub that may no longer have a long-term future in our estate.

“After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to sell the freehold of the Bird in Hand.”