East Gate Inn Colchester could become HMO under new plans

Blueprints have been submitted to Colchester Council with a view of transforming the East Gate Inn, in Harwich Road, into a House in Multiple Occupation site (HMO).

The plans outline a change of use for the site, with “minor internal alterations proposed at ground level”.

The East Gate Inn, formerly the Clarendon pub, is a two-storey guest house, originally thought to have opened in the 18th century.

The former Clarendon pub, pictured in 2009 (Image: Google)

The current applicant took on the lease for the property in 2015 as a pub, in which the upper level was altered to provide rooms for the guest house.

However, six years ago, the bar was subsequently closed due to no longer being profitable.

Despite this, the applicant continued running the property as a guest house, which currently has seven ensuite rooms on the first floor and one ensuite room on the ground floor.

The proposed application is for a change of use, which seeks to make minor internal alterations at ground level.

The proposed new use as an HMO will utilise the existing rooms at the site, offering four single ensuite rooms and four double ensuite rooms.

The scheme also proposes a shared kitchen, dining and living facilities at ground level and a private landlords store within the existing basement.

Plans would see the former bar area utilised for a shared living and dining room.

The former female toilets would be refurbished to provide a shared ground floor toilet, meanwhile, the former male toilets would be converted into a laundry room.

The existing kitchen areas and utility to the rear of the property will be revamped to provide two large adjoining kitchen areas.

Colchester councillor for Greenstead Tim Young (Image: N/A)

However, Colchester councillor for Greenstead Tim Young expressed his concerns over the plans.

He said: “We are asking for a briefing from planning officers about the application because we’re concerned about the loss of another community facility.

“Too many pubs are closing in Colchester and the surrounding area.

“We would also like to hear what residents and patrons think of the plans.”