Plans have been submitted to turn a Grade II-listed former Potters Bar pub into flats, and build new homes on the site.

The proposal, submitted by Totteridge Developments Ltd, would see the ground floor of the The Chequers in Coopers Lane converted into a four-bedroom flat, the construction of four new three-bedroom terraced cottages and a single three-bed dwelling on the site.

A three-bedroom flat on the first floor of the pub would also be retained.

The Chequers closed more than three years ago, when landlords Gill and Paul Englefield called last orders the day before New Years Eve in 2019.

Despite hopes it may reopen, the pub has remained closed ever since, and according to a planning statement, The Chequers would "no longer be a viable business", partly owing to its functional areas, including the kitchen, being "inadequate and not to current statutory or good operational standards".

"Any decision to invest in and re-open The Chequers represents a commercially unacceptable risk," the planning application states.

"Some local competitors are supported by larger pub groups such as The Admiral Byng by JD Wetherspoons, which has been invested to maintain its market position.

"These other public houses, licensed premises and food offerings provide a variety of trading styles and operation types to serve the needs of the local community and visitors to the area.

"It is this variety and volume of competition that significantly impacts the ability of The Chequers to be successful."

Back in 2020, graffiti reading "no flats" and "save our pubs" was sprayed onto the building, after plans to turn it into 10 apartments were submitted.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Further homes would be built on the pub site, if plans are approved.Further homes would be built on the pub site, if plans are approved. (Image: Totteridge Developments Ltd)

The application also comprises of "the construction of four new terraced cottages in a row, forming a continuation of the street scene along Coopers Lane, and one detached dwelling at the rear of the site with associated car parking and landscaping".

"The previous history of the site indicated terraced housing once occupied the spot where development is proposed, which was removed at some stage in the twentieth century," the planning application continues.

"The proposal would deliver five new houses that would make a contribution to meeting identified local needs, located in a sustainable location.

"Significant weight is given to this benefit and therefore planning permission should be granted."