A former pub in High Beech may be bulldozed to make way for eight flats.

A planning application has been submitted to Epping Forest District Council to demolish the Duke of Wellington pub and construct two apartment blocks consisting of eight flats.

The plans include space for car parking, electric vehicle charging and landscaping.

The former public house has existed in some form as far back as 1870 according to historical maps cited in the planning documentation.

The two-storey brick building is currently utilised as an office with a self-contained flat on the upper floor and a half cellar beneath.

There are also two detached barn conversions onsite, a gravel car park and a lawn area.

The site leads directly to the forest, however planning documents claim the proposed development will not negatively impact the surrounding environment.

The documents state: “The site is immediately adjacent to Epping Forest, which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The development does not impinge on Epping Forest and there is no development reason that boundary trees would be impacted.

“Mitigation will be put in place to restrict works to the development footprint so that surrounding habitats are unaffected.”

Residents can comment on the application before August 19 here: http://plan1.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/PLComments.aspx?pk=639473

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