LIFE could be breathed back into a closed and decaying old pub after a property developer revealed plans to convert it into a restaurant.

For years, the once-bustling Elizabethan Tower Arms in Weald Road, has stood dormant in South Weald.

But now, the Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1704, could be overhauled into a 560 meter sq restaurant after its owner’s latest planning bid.

If successful, Tower Arms Limited’s scheme would create 25 full-time and 15-part time jobs, and its existing extensions would be bulldozed to make way for a new kitchen.

The cuisine and number of table covers is currently unknown, however, if Brentwood Council planners give the green light work could start immediately.

Villagers have shown “overwhelming support” to the development, according to the planner’s design and access statement.

It says: “Each resident in the immediate village has been spoken to personally and their views are of overwhelming support for the proposed restaurant as it is felt that the Tower Arms is becoming a public nuisance and eyesore in its current state.”

To maintain the building’s original Elizabethan feel, all extensions will be to the rear of the building, which would mean the 56 car park spaces would stay.

The plans also reveals the developer’s hopes to build an outside dining area, and landscaping work of the whole area – it measures to more than 3000 meter sq in total.

The design statement continues: “The proposed scheme will give an opportunity to restore the existing listed building and also bring the property back into use and in doing so create a community facility that will also create jobs in the area.

“The proposed extension to the building will allow to achieve the critical mass required to provide the requisite numbers of covers for the scheme to be sustainable as a business.

“The scheme will ensure that the building no longer sits empty and continues to decay.”