PLANS to demolish a pub have been submitted a decade after it was closed.

Castle Point Council is applying to itself for permission to knock down Crown Pub, High Street, Hadleigh, and take a significant step forward in its £60million Hadleigh masterplan.

It is hoped the site will be replaced with a community events space.

Castle Point Council leader Norman Smith said: “I am sorry it’s taken so long, but it is a complex plan.

“We cannot carry out the town plan until Essex County Council decide on the library’s future.

“It’s been going on so long now but I am pleased it’s moving forward now.

“We just need our committee to agree it but I can’t see any issues.”

Residents have been calling for development for the town centre and pub site since it closed.

The site has fallen into disrepair and has become an eyesore in the town centre.

Residents said they are sceptical of any plans and works for the site.

Enid Potter, 60, of Homestead Gardens, Hadleigh said: “I think actions speak louder than words.

“I will believe it when I see something being done with the site.

“I think it’s such a shame it’s taken so long and that the old pub building has become such a mess in the town.

“I think it’ll be good to have the old building gone but I am unsure about the idea of a market and community space.

“As long as the space is used and wanted by groups and organisations it’ll be worthwhile. If not, I think it’ll be a waste of time.”

The pub has been closed since 2009 after the site has been home to a pub since 1769, making it one of the town’s most historic buildings.

The council has been planning to revamp Hadleigh town centre for almost a decade with the plan originally being formulated before the London Olympics. Mr Smith said he’s determined to regenerate this part of the town and there are a few possible scenarios being considered.