A THURROCK pub could come back to life if a new planning application is approved.

The Rabbits on London Road in West Thurrock has been closed for several years and a previous bid to get permission to demolish it and build homes on the site was rejected because Thurrock Council valued the pub as a public amenity, even through it was closed, and that the plans submitted did not fit in with the local landscape.

A neighbouring site, which was home to a burnt out restaurant, did get planning permission in 2011 for ten two story houses to be built on it, but the 2018 bid for the Rabbits failed to find similar favour.

Now the site owners are back with a new plan, which they say will including keeping part of the existing building at 783 London Road as a 'drinking establishment' at ground floor level. The rest of the building would be adapted and extended to create seven new apartments.

Applicants say new proposal has been 'carefully considered' and has evolved following engagement from council.

And they say the design will better sit within the street scene and will provide a building that is in keeping with the character and appearance of the area.

As part of the application, a detailed history of the pub site has been submitted, which can be read here.

The full planning application and the opportunity to comment can be accessed by the following link.

Redevelopment of site to extend existing building, retain public house (A4/Sui Generis) at ground floor and create seven residential units (C3). The Rabbits, 783 London Road, West Thurrock, RM20 3JT. Ref. No: 20/01429/FUL | Received: Tue 20 Oct 2020 | Validated: Thu 29 Oct 2020 | Status: Awaiting decision