A DERELICT site in Christchurch could be revived by old plans to build a bar and flats on the land formerly occupied by a pub.

The half-demolished New Inn in Fairmile Road has been the subject of several planning applications over the past five years.

The most recent, a proposal to turn the former watering hole into flats and a shop, was turned down by Christchurch Borough Council recently over concerns about the traffic it would generate.

Over the years, developer Primetower Properties has submitted statements with its planning applications claiming a new purpose-built tavern was not viable on the site.

But while work to transform the pub halted in March 2008 due to the rapidly deteriorating economy, it appears the developer may have had a change of heart.

It has asked the council’s planning department to extend the time limit on an application from 2007 to build a bar and six flats on the site.

The scheme includes expanding the remains of the existing building to create a two-storey extension on the side of the structure with parking for six flats.

The closure of the pub was opposed by customers, local residents, ward councillors and planning officers when time was finally called on it in 2007.

But now Portfield ward councillor Dave Davies said the proposal could be just what is needed for the site.

He said: “I think everyone would like to see something done with the site but it needs to be right.

“This scheme was liked by a lot of residents at the time, especially those who had signed a petition to keep the pub.

“I would give my tentative approval to this as long as it is backed by residents.”