A former pub which called last orders 10 years ago could be demolished to make way for a three-storey social housing development.

The Black Squirrel in Letchworth – the first purpose-built pub in the formerly-dry garden city which has had a string of reincarnations in recent years as a Mexican restaurant, the Globe Bar and Brasserie and most recently the defunct Thai Kitchen, left – could be turned into 21 flats if North Herts District Council gives the plans the green light.

To the west of the Gernon Road site is the Broadway Cinema, which is set for extension works to provide for a Broadway Theatre to open later on in the year.

The developers say the proposal will provide 100 per cent affordable housing for up to 61 people, with the building controlled by a social housing provider.

Gabriel McLaughlin of Praxis Real Estate Management, acting on behalf of applicants NW Architects, said: “The planning application relates to the development of 21 residential units to provide much needed affordable residential accommodation for Letchworth and its residents.

“We are working closely with a national housing association to develop and deliver the accommodation during 2016.”

The consultation period on the application – which can be viewed at www.north-herts.gov.uk – expires at the end of the month.