VILLAGERS expecting a former pub to be converted into a doctor’s surgery look set to get a convenience store instead.

Plans to turn the Langenhoe Lion in Mersea Road, Abberton, into a surgery, chemist shop and two houses were approved in 2014.

But the company behind the project, Barkley Projects LLP, have been unable to find a surgery willing to move in and have had no approaches from NHS England for a practice to take over the building.

Now the company has lined up convenience store Budgens to take over the site and has submitted a fresh application to Colchester Council, which includes plans for two flats above the store and a 12-space car park.

The two houses in the original application have already been built.

A planning statement, written on behalf of Barkely Projects, said: “Without any form of commitment to the site from NHS England, the applicant company were unable to wait indefinitely for a health use to come forward and began to make enquiries to establish an alternative community use for the site.

“Those enquiries found substantial interest from convenience retailers Budgens, who now have a firm agreement to lease the proposed building, to provide entirely new convenience retail offer in this location.”

The shop could prove to be an asset for the rural community, with the nearest village shop three miles away in Layer de la Haye.

Warren Goff, who runs the Crafty Goat ice cream parlour and café, and sub post office, in Mersea Road, Langenhoe, said: “I think it would be fantastic for the growing community, but I am just very sceptical.

“There is nothing close nearby for people in terms of shops and it would not affect our trade because we are a café but I will believe it when I see it.”

Colchester councillor for Pyefleet Robert Davidson added: “I imagine people will be supportive because it is at least something which can be used by the community.

“I think there is a real danger if nothing is built there then the applicants will just go for housing.”

The pub was built in 1820 and closed in December 2011. It was put on the market for an asking price of £250,000 the following year.