A FORMER pub could be extended to include a new bed and breakfast and takeaway service.

Plans have been submitted to Colchester Council to make alterations to the Flag in Colchester Road, Wivenhoe.

The proposal is to extend the building to form more space and create a nine-bedroom bed and breakfast, a takeaway facility and keep a community bar area.

A planning statement said: “In November 2016 the property was marketed by Christie & Co following the financial difficulties suffered by the long standing landlord and the relinquishing of his lease.

“There was some interest but ultimately it was not found to be viable in its current form, the public house closed in June 2018 when the freehold was sold.”

Each bed and breakfast room will have one parking space, the restaurant will remain with a takeaway facility and the option to order food via Deliveroo or Uber Eats.

The planning statement added: “Maintaining the current facade of the Flag has always been paramount to the community along with ensuring the building maintains its capacity as a community asset.

“The new owners intend to ensure both these points are honoured.”

One of the applicants, who has lived in Wivenhoe for many years, ran his own pub in the town for six years. He said: “We believe we have the necessary knowledge of the area and industry to make the building into a success again.

“This background and knowledge and the recent failings of previous attempts to keep the pub open has given us the evidence the building needs to incorporate the bed and breakfast rooms to increase its revenue stream.

“The upper areas of Wivenhoe have been desperate to have the infrastructure up and running again, together with the community plans for expansion in the area and with more housing planned to be built it shows a rekindled Flag Inn will benefit the area.”

Colchester Council will have the final say.