CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a historic pub and replace it with flats have been halted at the eleventh hour after pressure from campaigners

D G Rose Limited wanted permission to knock down The Flag, in Colchester Road, Wivenhoe, and build two offices and eight apartments in its place.

However, the proposals were met with outcry from residents who wanted the iconic 18th century building to remain a community asset.

Ward councillor and Colchester Council leader Mark Cory called-in the application, asking the council to refuse it on the grounds of heritage, loss of a facility for the area and the plans going against the Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan.

The developer is understood to have pulled the application after being advised by Colchester Council’s planning department the plans were set to be recommended for refusal on several grounds.

Mr Cory said: “I was very pleased to hear from the planning officer that she was minded to refuse the application.

“Wivenhoe residents will be very happy. We have put forward our clear objections and the planning department has agreed with us.

“The next challenge is how we can save the pub and make it a real community asset again.

“The Black Buoy Pub in Wivenhoe is a fantastic example of where the community can come together and save a loved pub and community hub.”

A petition calling for the pub to be saved received more than 600 signatures, more than five per cent of town’s population within a two weeks.

Andrea Luxford-Vaughan (Lib Dem, Wivenhoe) added: “Being on the planning committee has prevented me from predetermining any view on this application.

“However, I’m well aware of just how controversial it was by the number of people that have spoken to me about it.”