A TOWN council says it is backing plans to build in the car park of a popular former pub to protect the building.

The former King Canute Pub, in Canvey Road, Canvey, is at the centre of a proposal which could see two three-bedroom houses built, along with the conversion of the first floor of the main pub building into two flats.

The ground floor of the pub would be retained for retail use under the latest plans.

Previous attempts to develop the site, which emerged since the pub’s closure, had not included any work on the pub’s main building.

Martin Tucker, town mayor, says that while he is saddened by the plans for the iconic pub, he believes it is the best chance the island has of protecting its building.

He said: “We just felt that if the flats are built in the pub, it will protect the main building and we know what’s coming.

“I think the previous plans would have left it open for being knocked down. Sadly it doesn’t look like one of the big brands will turn it into a restaurant or pub again, which is very sad.”

Since its closure, London-based property developer Foundation Property and Capital bought the King Canute from the Stonegate Pub Company for £630,000. JD Wetherspoon entered talks with the owners last year but later backed out.

In October 2014, the Co-op confirmed it planned to open a store on the site, but subsequently failed to go through with the plans.