Plans have been lodged for a bar serving food to open as part of a former pub site in Hartlepool.

Planning permission was granted in 2014 to convert the former Saxon pub in Easington Road into a shopping parade made up of a variety of units.

Proposals have now been submitted by Mr M Jagpal, from Ingleby Barwick Land and Property Developments, to convert a vacant unit at the site into a bar serving food.

The site was last used as a florist in 2018, and was open for around three months, according to plans.

The shopping parade is also made up of a dental practice, a ‘One Stop’ convenience shop and Saxon’s Fish and Chip Shop.

Mr M Jagpal had previously submitted plans to change the same site into a hot food takeaway, but proposals were rejected by the council planning department.

An appeal was lodged over the refusal of the proposals to the national planning inspectorate, but the council’s decision was upheld.

A planning statement for the new proposals, submitted on behalf of the applicant by Prism Planning, states the new bar, serving food, would benefit the area.

It said: “We contend that nothing detracts more from the character and appearance and long-term vitality and viability of a local centre than a vacant unit.

“It is contended that the use of the premises as a small bar serving food will improve the character and appearance and long-term vitality and viability of The Saxon Local Centre.”

Proposed opening hours for the site are 11am to 11pm seven days a week and the move would create two full-time and two part-time jobs at the site.

The planning statement also notes how a change of use is necessary as the site has been vacant for over 23 months, and states there is ‘little surprise’ there is no demand for another retail site.

It said: “There is quite clearly a distinct lack of interest in the use of the premises as a retail shop.

“This is despite the premises being situated at a prominent location on a main road into and out of Hartlepool and benefiting from a generous car park and the local centre being located within a residential area.

“The lack of interest from anyone wanting to operate a retail business from the premises is hardly surprising given the current plight of retailing throughout the country.”

The applicant also claims the plans for the new bar could support existing business, as ‘custom attracts customers’.

Plans note there is an existing 25-space car park at the shopping parade which would be used by the new bar.

To comment on the application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2020/0080.