Proposals to demolish a pub and build a block of flats have been withdrawn.

Applicants Mr and Mrs Mandeep Sandha had applied for outline planning permission to bulldoze The Welsh Tavern in Dartford.

They wanted to replace the former business with an apartment block of 14 flats with eight two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units.

If approved, it would have seen off-road parking, bin and cycle stores and a new access road created.

Speaking when the plans were first submitted, Cllr Kelly Grehan (Lab) said: "There is strong feeling about the building, given its historic role in the town.

"I'm very worried about the building sitting, boarded up for decades now the pub is closed, like some others in the town.

"But equally I share concerns other have about ploughing ahead without thought to the need for additional infrastructure. So I hope those with concerns will register them."

The London Road pub has been boarded up since closing last September and is described on the planning application as an "unlisted period building".

Before it closed the popular public house had been serving locals for 184 years.

But, the design and access statement said for the pub to again be successful it would require capital investment, the ability to serve hot food and with intrests rates rising it is difficult to find investors.

It added: “We believe that this proposed development is one that is of a well-considered and high-quality design. It is befitting of the local character area, and will make a positive contribution to the existing local area.

“We trust that the Local Authority will appreciate the work and efforts undertaken by the applicant and consultant team in order to produce these well considered proposals.”

Yet before the borough council could make a decision on the scheme, the application was withdrawn.

It is not yet known why the decision was made.