PLANS have been unveiled to transform a “dilapidated” former Halstead town pub into cottages.

The Griffin, in Parsonage Street, could be given a new lease of life after plans were submitted to Braintree Council.

Developers hope to see the Grade II listed building transformed into two cottages.

There are also plans to also build a pair of two bedroom semi-detached houses in the beer garden and parking area.

The Griffin stopped trading in March 2020 and later closed along with one of its sister pubs, the Three Horseshoes in Fordham, after lockdown restrictions meant they were unable to break even.

As part of the plans, a single-storey addition to the pub would be knocked down.

Existing access to the site from Parsonage Street would be retained.

The planning application says: “The submitted plans demonstrate that the scheme will not be visually intrusive or a discordant development; it will fit in with the character of the area and provide socially compatible residential accommodation in tune with the tone of the immediate neighbourhood setting of this part of Halstead.

“Despite some reluctance by the applicants at seeing the pub use lost, the scheme ensures the preservation of the building. 

“It is therefore hoped that full support can be offered for the scheme as submitted formally for consideration.

“On completion the proposal will provide a sensitive residential development without material harm to the character or appearance of the surrounding area, the amenity of residents or highway safety.”

The application claims the development will enhance the condition of the early 18th-century building, which is currently in a “poor and extremely dilapidated state of repair”.

It continues: “It is considered therefore that an opportunity has been created to deliver an acceptable form of development within this part of Halstead that will contribute to the supply of housing within the existing urban area and preserve for generations to come a locally recognised architectural and heritage asset.

“After the repair and refurbishment are completed, the new residential owners of the listed building will be the most likely to take proper care of it to avoid a repeat of the decades of underinvestment. 

“Without such changes the main listed asset shall remain in a dilapidated condition without hope of restoration.”