A developer argues his proposals to convert a derelict pub into a Co-op store will boost local house prices.

Owners of the building, Ralph and Alistair Noel, submitted plans for the Plough Inn in Margate Road, Broomfield, last month, sparking a groundswell of objections.

They want to demolish the building, which has sat empty for almost four years, and replace it with a Co-op store with three flats above it and four more in a separate two-storey building.

Alistair, who runs development firm Citinests, said: “The building is not listed and, quite frankly, structurally awful and unsafe.

“Because two pubs were granted up the road, no one could make the Plough Inn work and therefore it became dilapidated.

“Its roof has been stolen, the building has been vandalised and we have had rat problems there.”

However, the application has received almost 30 objections online, with residents fearing it will be out of character with the rest of the area and saturate Broomfield with convenience stores.

A number of them are also concerned it could threaten the post office in Margate Road, but there no plans to include one in the Co-op.

Alistair says many of the objectors “fear change”, adding: “The addition of a Co-op to an area actually raises property prices because people see there is a quality convenience store locally. That’s tried and tested across the country.

“Considering the fact it’s an eyesore at the moment, our development will definitely help to regenerate the area.”

A study by Lloyds Bank in 2015 revealed that homes in close proximity to a Co-op are, on average, £15,011 more expensive than those in neighbouring areas.

Alistair has said the seven one-bed flats will be built for “first-time buyers”.

He bought the Plough Inn for £365,000 in October 2016 and is expecting the entire project to cost him more than £1 million. He hopes it will be complete in 16 months.