Proposals to turn a Grade II-listed pub into a house of multiple occupancies (HMO) have been approved after similar plans were dismissed.

The scheme to transform the Crown and Thistle in Gravesend town centre into a five-bedroom home have been welcomed as people wanted the building brought back into use.

The pub, which closed in 2015, was marketed by Robinson Michael Jackson Estate Agents but no one wanted to take it on commercially, according to the planning documents.

Applicant Mr Rai, said: “It is now time for the planning authority to take a realistic look at viability and demand and to understand that the building will need to find a use soon to remain in a reasonable state of repair worth restoring.”

Spanning four floors, there will also be cycle stores and other storage space in the basement with a living room, kitchen, dining area, three bathrooms and three ensuites across the other levels.

In their decision report, Gravesham council planning officers said the addition of another four flats would be a “modest contribution” to help meet the local housing need.

It added: “While the proposal would result in the loss of a public house use there are no adopted policies in the development plan which specifically resists this loss or protects the public houses in an area.

“It would consist of a residential use which would be compatible with the surrounding area which is predominantly residential with a mixture of flats and houses.

“Taking into account all matters, it is considered that the conversion would, on balance, be acceptable in terms of the principle of development.”

It comes a year after a similar scheme for the former CAMRA National Pub of the Year was thrown out by officers.

Mr Rai previously sought permission to create a six-bedroom HMO by demolishing part of a rear extension and altering the inside and outside of the property.

However, this was rejected over fears it “would be harmful to the significance and architectural and historic interest” of the building.

Officers said the proposal was “unacceptable” as there was “insufficient information” submitted to allow a full assessment of the impact it would have on the listed asset.

Their concerns have been resolved in the latest application which stated it will restore the principal façade of the building, reinstate slash timber windows, preserve the existing staircase and use the old pipe runs where possible.

The internal fixtures are thought to have been stripped and replaced in the late 20th century so they no longer have any historical value, according to the newly-submitted heritage statement.

Known locally as the Crown and Crumpet, the former pub in The Terrace is thought to have opened in 1859 with records showing the first landlord as Edward Sabery Colyer.

Local historian Christoph Bull said it would have been popular among tourists, particularly those from London, who would have stayed across the road in Royal Terrace Gardens.

Speaking about the latest plans, he said: “It has been in decline for years in what was once a very fashionable area of Gravesend.

“There is no question about it, buildings must have a use. I think it is a good thing that it will be reused while keeping its historical value.”

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The scheme was approved on Tuesday, October 22.