A LANDMARK pub is set to undergo a £2.5million expansion to increase seating and parking numbers and provide new jobs.

Bosses behind The Anchor in Hullbridge have been given the green light for the expansion project by Rochford District Council.

Bosses say the build will take around six months, and they aim to start the works in September 2021.

It will create increased car parking spaces from 49 to 65 and increased them all in size, to meet the size of many modern family cars.

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The plans also include four disabled bays and two electrical car-charging points.

The pub, which dates back to 1930s, will now have three additional areas creating new function suits for weddings and events and new restaurant space.

It will create 20 new jobs for the area.

A spokesman for parent company Oakman Inns said: “Over many decades, there has been a piecemeal approach to building alterations by various landlords. The bulk of these additional buildings and alterations worked against the layout and riverside setting of the original 1930s public house. Our scheme rationalises the existing buildings, and then adds a dramatic extension that will maximise the views of the Crouch River.

“The design consists of four gabled bays, each pointing towards the river. The first creates a buffer zone between the bar and the new restaurant area and also provides secondary access to the comfortable terraced area and the pub garden beyond.

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“The second and third bays are the two most significant spaces, which provide most of the new restaurant area space and which includes a new feature fireplace in the centre. The fourth and final space is a semi-private space, which can be closed off to provide a space for functions and private dinners, such as family weddings and local community functions.”

Bosses also say they are increasing the internal area by around 200m2, and that will increase diners, once completed, to about 150.

The pub bosses say they are not only protecting the existing jobs of thirty hard-working team members, but we will also be increasing the number of full-time jobs with an additional 20 positions.

The spokesman added: “Every team member is encouraged to develop their skills and career opportunities through our award-winning career-development and training programme.”

Councillor said they’re pleased to see the investment and growth.

Michael Hoy, Leader of the Rochford District Residents and Green Group, said: “My family and I have always supported the pub and regularly visit and eat there. It’s a good business which employs people in the area and I fully support the businesses ambitions to expand.”