A PLAN to build a new pub and 12 holiday lodges at the site of a vandalised Edwardian inn has been given the go-ahead by Maldon councillors.

Maldon District Council's Central Area Planning Committee decided to grant permission for the development at the site of the existing Mill Beach pub off Goldhanger Road yesterday (Wednesday, 9 September).

The proposals include the demolition of the existing heavily vandalised building to create the new pub, which will feature a dining area with inside and outside tables.

A new residential apartment with a terrace will occupy the first floor. The new holiday lodges are planned for the largely open grassed area next to the Edwardian pub. The original run-down pub was closed in April 2018.

Conditions likely to be attached to any go-ahead given include the creation of a bat roost to rehouse the Soprano Pipistrelle bats thought to currently live at the site, as well as the planting of trees to support wild birds.

The lodges would potentially be open all year round, but for holiday rental only and not as permanent residences.

The pub will have weatherboarding, with timber window and door frames.

A car park providing 25 parking spaces will be built as part of the plans, with an additional parking space next to each holiday lodge. The application also shows a new footpath running north to south from Goldhanger Road to the seawall to link into the existing public footpath network.