A FORMER pub is set to be turned into a five-bedroom detached house. 

Plans have been drawn up for the change of use of The Cricketers Inn, Church Street, in Goldhanger, Maldon. The plans include maintaining the front of the building in its current form, with only minor detail changes to the window treatment on the rear elevation. 

Under the plans, there would be a kitchen, dining area, living area, a study, and a separate lounge on the ground floor. On the first floor, five bedrooms and a bathroom are proposed. The plans also include a garden area, two parking spaces and a garage within the existing outbuilding. 

Before it closed in December 2023, The Cricketers appears to have been run as a "traditional village local with a food offer", according to the planning documents. The last change of landlords occurred in 2017, when Vince and Diane Rejis took over, according to the documents. The plans also state Mr and Mrs Rejis ran the pub until it closed in December 2023. 

The plans also state: "The proposed development would make for an efficient use of land that complies with the residential and amenity standards of the local development framework and Essex Design Guide. The proposed use is appropriate here, and the scheme would not result in overlooking or loss of residential amenity on behalf of neighbouring occupiers.

"Additionally, the conversion of the public house would create short-term employment opportunities and provide economic benefits by bringing a redundant building back into active use, thereby making for an efficient use of land in accordance with policy.  

"The occupants of the new dwelling would help support and likely increase demand upon any existing local businesses and public transport. As described in the viability report, there is a further public house, The Chequers Inn, existing within easy walking distance and 250 metres to the south.

"Subsequently, it is considered there is a further community facility in the village serving this purpose. This public house may experience increased trade and additional local support as a result."