A FORMER pub is set to be preserved and five new homes created after plans were approved.

The Rabbits, in London Road West Thurrock will have previously built extensions removed leaving the original two-storey pub, which is currently unused and dilapidated, as it was first built.

New additions will then add a two-storey side and rear extension to the building while retaining and refurbishing the existing pub use at ground floor level.

Five apartments with small balconies will be created with parking spaces for the new homes at the rear of the building while retaining and refurbishing the existing pub/drinking establishment use at ground floor level.

A previous scheme to demolish the pub and build ten flats was refused in 2018.

The council received two letters of objection when the scheme was first submitted, raising concerns over the potential for overlooking and the development being out of keeping with the locality.

Brahim Emba, of Fox Field Close West Thurrock, said: “I will have less hours of sun in my house and garden. I will lose privacy in my garden and my house.”

Ben Rost Wood, also of Field Close West, said: “Much better proposed solution than previous, but it still has the large balcony with greater than 180 degree view on top floor that can view straight into the neighbouring properties gardens and will look across into mine and neighbours first and second floor rear bedroom windows and possibly even into my downstairs living room.”

The scheme has since been revised and no further objections were raised.

Planning officers said: “The reduction in size of a pub or community asset is often an emotive issue and for this reason Thurrock seeks to prevent losses.

“Refurbishing and letting out the pub in its current form is not viable as the build costs would substantially exceed the level of return expected nor would it be able to be funded through rental charges to a tenant or through borrowing.”

They added: “The lack of viability of retaining the property in public house use gives added weight in favour of the proposed scheme.

“The other benefits that arise, particularly the provision of new housing, making the best use of previously developed land, and bringing a community use back into operation, also carry significant weight. It is clear that the benefits of the scheme far outweigh any harms arising.”