A PROPOSAL to partially demolish a Billericay pub to create 13 flats could be approved by Basildon Council next week.

Planning officers have recommended approval of an application to convert the Rising Sun, Sun Street.

An earlier application by developer AMD Property was rejected after councillors ruled the scheme out of character in a conservation area.

But a revised plan has been deemed acceptable by officers because the original pub building will be kept largely in place.

The proposed development would see outbuildings demolished and an extension built on to the pub to create seven two-bedroom and six one-bedroom flats.

Eight of the flats would be contained within the original pub building.

The Rising Sun closed in August and the council has already ruled it is acceptable for it to be converted.

The planning committee is due to vote on the plans on June 2.