FRESH plans have been unveiled to transform and refurbish a “dilapidated” former Halstead town pub into a three-bedroom cottage.

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 a three-bedroom cottage.

As part of the plans, part of the front and side of the property will be demolished.

A new three-bedroom home would also be built next to the existing pub.

Existing access to the site from Parsonage Street would be retained as part of the plans.

Currently, the ground floor is a vacant pub which has been substantially altered in recent years.

On the first floor is the manager’s accommodation.

Within the pub there is an open bar area with modern fit, with back-of-house facilities including a working kitchen, beer seller and a side modern extension housing welfare facilities.

Plans were previously submitted last year to transform the pub into two cottages, alongside a pair of two-bedroom semi-detached houses in the beer garden and parking area.

However, this was refused, with planning officers saying plans to split the pub into two cottages would have a “detrimental impact on its significance and the ability to appreciate its historical function would be lost”.

It also added the construction of the two homes outside would have a “detrimental visual impact and reduce the ability to appreciate the listed building within its setting”.

A planning statement for the new proposals says: “The submitted revised 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.

“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.

“Moreover, it is considered that the development will enhance the condition of the listed building that is at present in a poor and extremely dilapidated state of repair.”