A FORMER pub and religious centre is expected to be converted into 20 new flats. Councillors are set to give the green light for the development at the site of the former Long Riding Pub and Christian centre in Long Riding, Basildon.

The proposals include seven one bedroom flats, nine two bedroom flats and four three bedroom homes. The four ground floor flats will have garden areas, whilst the remaining homes each have a balcony, and to the south of the block is a shared amenity area containing children's play facilities.

A basement area is also to be proposed which will be laid out to provide 17 parking spaces, 10 of which will have electric vehicle charging points, with this area accessed by way of a ramp and new access point from Clayburn Circle. Two further parking spaces are proposed to the south of the new access point.

The Long Riding pub.

The pub closed in 2013 and was converted to the Christian Centre, according to the Campaign for Real Ale.

The council officer's report states: "The proposed development would see the construction of a contemporary flat roofed design building on this site comprising of 20 flats contributing to the council's five-year housing land supply in place of the existing commercial property.

"The design of the building whilst having a greater presence that the existing property on the site, would not be significantly taller than properties found in the locality and is considered to enhance the appearance of this site. The proposal would not result in any material detriment to any nearby residential occupiers.

"The level of car parking proposed is considered acceptable given the highly sustainable location of the site, which provides alternative transport options for future residents. The development will incorporate appropriate landscaping, ecological and sustainable measures."