LANDMARK pub, The Bat Cave, is to be razed to the ground.

The pub, which has stood derelict for 15 years, has become an increasing eyesore blighting Easington Lane's main street.

But now not even the legendary fictional hero can come to its rescue after Sunderland City Council granted permission for it to be demolished to make way for 77 new homes in an £8m development.

The scheme is to be undertaken by construction company Primo by Gladedale and will see the demolition of The Bat Cave and adjacent Cross House and the redevelopment of the site at the junction of Pemberton Bank and the main road in Easington Lane.

The news will come as a relief to residents who have watched the landmark pub repeatedly targeted by vandals.

The building project will include the construction of 77 two, three and four-bedroomed affordable homes.

Gladedale is also investing more than £350,000 into the community for much-needed improvements to a number of local amenities in the village.

The money will be used to provide children's play facilities and a public open space.

Part of the Gladedale Group, Primo is one of three developers investing in the Easington Lane Coalfield Regeneration Programme and is the first to kickstart the transformation of the area.

Len Worsfold, managing director of Primo, said: "The Bat Cave is set within a prominent position in the village but over the years has fallen into disrepair and has become an eyesore, we will replace it with well designed two-storey apartments."

He added: "Our investment will create much-needed new housing and transform this now derelict site into a vibrant and highly sought-after housing development, and follows successful developments in both Hettonle- Hole and South Hetton."

Demolition work on the Bat Cave is expected to begin this month.

Cross House will also be levelled in order to improve visibility for drivers at the busy road junction.

The project is part of Primo's £45m development programme creating more than 430 new homes in the region.