A FIRE-RAVAGED pub could be transformed into an elderly people’s home.

Runwood Homes hopes to redevelop the old Hadleys pub, in Benfleet Road, Hadleigh, into the residential home.

Plans have been submitted to Castle Point Council and the development would be an extension to the existing home next door.

The pub was destroyed by fire in 2006, in which two people were dramatically rescued.

After that it was sold by Enterprise Inns to Admiral Taverns and then to Westcliff-based Marden Homes, which has been responsible for several developments in south Essex including 18 homes in Scrub Lane, Hadleigh.

Now the care company Runwood Homes hopes to buy and redevelop the site, which has become a place where antisocial youths gather.

Logan Logeswaran, managing director of Runwood Homes, said: “There’s a waiting list for the residential care for people with dementia and we are not able to meet the need at the moment.”

Mr Logeswaran said the building was in a good location with good public transport links.

He added: “We have had problems with youngsters using the derelict building next to the existing site and we have had to call the police.

“It’s ideal for us to have that site and develop it so we won’t have the problems with the derelict building and we can better meet the needs of the community.”

Castle Point Council is expected to give a decision on the application by October 27.