A BID to finally demolish a derelict Maldon pub is set to go ahead, with six new homes to be built in its place.

The former Cups pub in Wantz Road has been sitting derelict and dilapidated since it closed down in February 2014.

The site’s owner, Lee Palmer, is now set to have permission granted to knock the building and fencing down to make way for new homes.

His application is set to go before Maldon District Council’s central area planning committee tonight.

The bid is for six, two-bedroom terraced houses with private parking spaces, rear garden space and with trees and shrubs planted.

Mr Palmer previously attempted to demolish the building a year ago to build the six houses, but the application was refused, as the council believed the plans would be cramped and contrived.

It also stated that no evidence was provided that the existing use of the land was causing harm to the character of the area.

However, in the proposal set to go before the council this week, it claims these issues have now been addressed.

It said: “It is claimed that the existing structures on site have been subject to vandalism since it became vacant in 2014. The roof coverings of the principal building, the public house, has been stripped and exposed to the elements for a long period of time and is affected by dry rot and woodworm beetles.

“This has weakened the roof structure making the building unstable. The ceiling between the ground and first floor has collapsed. The external walls of the building have no damp course and as the building has been exposed to the elements, this has contributed to the weakening of the building and signs of wall movement.”

The Cups, or originally Three Cups, was built in about 1840 and named after the Maldon Saltmakers badge.

It was due to be taken over by Tesco, but the company sold the premises in 2015 after scrapping plans to open an Express store on the site.

Previous plans for four apartments on the site back in 2011 were rejected.

The plans had been mooted as a ‘pleasing asset’ to the area, with nearby residents such as Bob Wyness, who campaigned against Tesco’s takeover, previously saying it would be the best way forward for the site.

Lee Palmer was contacted but did not respond for comment.