Residents and retailers are anxious over proposals to demolish an “iconic landmark”.

The Winston Churchill pub in The Broadway, Loughton, could be knocked down to make way for a new six-story development comprising 64 flats, shops and eateries.

Concerns from shop owners and locals centre on the size of the development, the lack of affordable properties and the loss of the pub.

Dave Stannard, Chairman of Loughton Town Centre Partnerships, said: “People are concerned about the size and bulk of the development.

“There is no affordable housing in the plans they are all priced at market rate.

“I can’t walk down The Broadway without retailers coming out and telling me they don’t want this development.

“The Churchill is an iconic landmark and has been a popular family pub.”

Of the 64 flats 61 will be two bedroom properites and three will have one bedroom and 64 car parking spaces will also be provided in the plans.

Kevin Taylor, Owner of Taylor's Cards in The Broadway said: “I question what it will look like and if it will be out of place.

“I would like it to be to the benefit of the community, so having flats and restaurants for local people would be great, but only if it benefits the people of Debden and Loughton.”

Benefits outlined in planning documents are the provision of jobs and the regeneration of the site.

RPS Planning and Development Ltd acting for CK Property Investments (Loughton) Ltd registered the application on October 15 and is expected to be seen by a planning committee next month.

A public meeting will be held at the Epping Forest College canteen in Borders Lane, Loughton, on November 12 at 6pm regarding the plans.