Plans to convert a vacant pub into flats have been given the green light by council officers.

A revised application was submitted to Gravesham council earlier this year to convert the Edinburgh Castle, in Northfleet High Street, into six, one-bedroom apartments.

Each flat will include a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and the extension to the rear of the building is also set to be demolished.

The removal of the pub façade on the ground floor will make way for changes such as additional windows, doors and Juliet balconies on the first and second floors.

A public consultation was held on the application and two objections were raised. Other comments surrounded parking and road access and the need for pubs over flats.

According to the planning statement, the former boozer closed more than two years ago after hitting financial trouble and bosses decided it was no longer viable to keep it running.

However, Clive Selves – who was landlord there for 32 years – disputed that information, saying it was open longer than that and business was buzzing.

Council officers addressed this in their report and although they acknowledged the site may have been used until June 2021 said the "void period would not impact the decision-making process as this is not registered as an asset of community value."

The report added: "The site is currently falling into disrepair and has been broken into from the rear of the property."

Similar plans for the Edinburgh Castle were refused in September but officers said the new, revised application had addressed their previous concerns relating to the chimneys and look of the building.

The report concluded: "On balance a positive outcome is beneficial when considering that the building will be brought back into use as opposed to falling into disrepair as it currently is."

Permission has been granted subject to planning conditions.

In 2008, there was a dispute over the patch of land behind the public house – on the corner of Lawn Road – which was being sold at auction by the local authority.

It was rented by Mr Selves to be used as a pub garden and, despite him offering double the asking price, it was still put up for sale.