A LICENSEE says she will appeal against Basildon Council’s refusal allow her pub to expand.

Lynn Mohseni, of the Gun, in London Road, Bowers Gifford, wants to build a new function room, mainly as a venue for wakes following services at Pitsea Crematorium and Cemetery, in nearby Church Road. The council refused her application, arguing the green belt site was unsuitable for such a use.

However, Mrs Mohseni, who re-opened the Gun two years ago with husband, Abi, feels the pub is a special case.

She said: “Families want to come to us for wakes. We have a good reputation for doing them well.

“I know it’s green belt land, but that didn’t stop themputtingahuge bridge right through themiddle of my land.

“The new function room would bring more employment.

Considering that Basildon Council wants to regenerate the area, I think it should look at the proposals again.

“At the end of the day, we need to do what we can to survive.

“We are a community pub and we do what we can to look after the community.

We will definitely be lodging an appeal.”

The refusal came 18 months after plans for a 20- bedroom hotel in the pub grounds – also for people going to services at the crematorium – were turned down.

On that occasion, the Government’s Planning Inspectorate backed the council’s decision.