An historic Manningtree pub can be converted into a home, a planning inspector has ruled.

Tendring District Council had turned down proposals to turn The White Hart, in the High Street, into a residential-only property, citing concerns over the impact the loss of a pub would have on the town centre.

A planning inspector has now overturned the council’s decision, ruling that on balance the impact would be minimal. The appeal heard evidence suggesting the use of the pub was minimal, and that efforts to market and sell the pub had been unsuccessful, showing that the business was not viable.

The inspector also ruled that allowing conversion of the pub into a house would help to protect the Grade II-listed building, which lies within a Conservation Area, which helped tip the balance in favour of approving the scheme.

Under the terms of the ruling, the applicant now has three years to begin the works.