From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk  By Alex Langridge, 5 January 2023.

Edinburgh Castle pub in Northfleet High Street could become flats as planning application submitted to Gravesham council.

Plans to convert a vacant pub into flats have been submitted after a struggle to find new owners to take over the boozer.

Edinburgh Castle, in Northfleet High Street, closed more than two years ago after hitting financial trouble and bosses decided it was no longer viable to keep it running.

The planning statement said the pub was closed "due to economic necessity" after a "change in economic and social circumstances" and it has "proved difficult to sell or let as a going concern".

As a result, the applicant has submitted plans to convert former pub – on the corner of Lawn Road – into three one bedroom flats and three one bedroom studios.

The removal of the pub façade on the ground floor is proposed to make way and plans include additional windows, doors and Juliet balconies on the first and second floors.

The extension to the rear of the building is also set to be demolished, if approval is given.

Each flat could include a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom which will all have windows and some will be glazed for privacy.

What the front of the former pub could look like. Picture: GBC / H Channa.

There is also considerations on a rooftop garden for residents however concerns have already been raised concerning a nearby school which could be seen from the top.

The applicants claim changing the former public house to residential use will not have an adverse impact on the local economy or community.

A decision on the plans submitted to Gravesham Borough Council is expected by March 1.

In 2008, there was a dispute over the patch of land behind the Edinburgh Castle which was being sold at auction by the local authority.

It was rented by then landlord Clive Selves to be used as a pub garden and despite offering double the asking price, it was still put up for sale.

A rare air raid warden post from the Second World War was also part of the land.

What the back of the building could look like. Picture: GBC / H Channa.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Langridge, 15 March 2023.

Flats plan for Edinburgh Castle pub in Northfleet High Street approved.

Plans to convert a vacant pub into flats have been given the green light by council officers.

A revised application was submitted to Gravesham council earlier this year to convert the Edinburgh Castle, in Northfleet High Street, into six, one-bedroom apartments.

Each flat will include a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and the extension to the rear of the building is also set to be demolished.

The removal of the pub façade on the ground floor will make way for changes such as additional windows, doors and Juliet balconies on the first and second floors.

A public consultation was held on the application and two objections were raised. Other comments surrounded parking and road access and the need for pubs over flats.

According to the planning statement, the former boozer closed more than two years ago after hitting financial trouble and bosses decided it was no longer viable to keep it running.

However, Clive Selves – who was landlord there for 32 years – disputed that information, saying it was open longer than that and business was buzzing.

Council officers addressed this in their report and although they acknowledged the site may have been used until June 2021 said the "void period would not impact the decision-making process as this is not registered as an asset of community value."

The report added: "The site is currently falling into disrepair and has been broken into from the rear of the property."

Similar plans for the Edinburgh Castle were refused in September but officers said the new, revised application had addressed their previous concerns relating to the chimneys and look of the building.

The report concluded: "On balance a positive outcome is beneficial when considering that the building will be brought back into use as opposed to falling into disrepair as it currently is."

Permission has been granted subject to planning conditions.

In 2008, there was a dispute over the patch of land behind the public house – on the corner of Lawn Road – which was being sold at auction by the local authority.

It was rented by Mr Selves to be used as a pub garden and, despite him offering double the asking price, it was still put up for sale.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Charlotte Phillips, 16 September 2023.

Former Edinburgh Castle pub in Northfleet High Street on the market for £600k.

A former pub with planning permission for six flats is on the market for £600,000.

The Edinburgh Castle in Northfleet High Street closed more than two years ago.

A revised application was submitted to Gravesham council at the start of the year to convert it into housing, and plans were approved in March for three studio apartments and three one-bedroom apartments.

Each flat will include a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and the extension to the rear of the building is also set to be demolished.

The removal of the pub façade on the ground floor will make way for changes such as additional windows, doors and Juliet balconies on the first and second floors.

According to the submitted planning report, the pub shut after hitting financial trouble and bosses decided it was no longer viable to keep it running.

However, Clive Selves – who was landlord there for 32 years – disputed that information, saying business was buzzing.

Council officers addressed this in their report and although they acknowledged the site may have been used until June 2021.

The report added: "The site is currently falling into disrepair and has been broken into from the rear of the property."

Now the pub is up for sale on Zoopla for offers over £600,000.

The agency describes the listing as a “rare opportunity to purchase this type of property with planning permission”.