Plans to convert a former Suffolk pub into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) providing 11 rooms have been revived after being initially withdrawn.

Trevor Smith, of Eden Rose Developments, has applied to East Suffolk Council for permission to turn the former Crown pub in Leiston into the HMO after the original plans were pulled in May 2021.

At the time, the EADT reported how Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council had recommended the project for refusal after raising 'serious concerns' about the design layout.

READ MORE: Plans to turn former East Suffolk pub into 11-bed HMO are withdrawn

However, no reason had been given for the original decision to withdraw the plans for the pub, which had stopped trading before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the latest plans, the interior of the building in King George's Avenue would be changed into the 11 rooms with en-suite accommodation, two free-standing toilet and shower rooms, two shared-use kitchens and a living and dining room area.

The rear of the pub will also be changed for use by residents, with one of two outbuildings providing a refuse store and secure cycle parking area for 11 bikes.

READ MORE: Leiston news

The other, smaller, outbuilding will be demolished, but the existing car park will remain unchanged and will be marked out to accommodate 11 residents parking spaces.

A design and access statement from Brooks Architects added: "The existing ‘incongruous ‘Festival of Britain’ style entrance lobby facing Crown Street will be removed.

"This will provide the opportunity to reorder the fenestration to this elevation to provide daylighting to rooms that would otherwise be without it and to achieve a more harmonious and balanced result."

READ MORE: Suffolk news

Leiston town clerk Helen Greengrass said the council had not yet had the opportunity to discuss the latest plans.

The pub was put on the market in February 2020 and had its price dropped several times but failed to sell.