PLANS to build a motel just off the A12 have been unveiled.

Bosses at the The Swan Inn have applied for outline planning permission to construct the building behind the pub in The Street, Hatfield Peverel.

The scheme would see a garage demolished and replaced with a two-storey motel offering 10 bedrooms.

All rooms would be served with renewable energy via solar panels which will be placed on the roof of the building.

Bosses say any excess energy could potentially be diverted back to the national grid for wider use.

In their design and access statement, they argue the motel could help to boost the pub's footfall and bring in some much needed extra cash.

The statement adds: "The landlords have always struggled to make a living and to pay the rent.

"We believe the addition of 10 motel rooms would help prop up a struggling pub trade providing extra custom and revenue.

"The proposed Motel rooms and sites location would make it a perfect stop for travellers, people working away from home, drinkers and diners who wish to stay overnight and supplies a demand for affordable accommodation within the area available.

"The local amenities, ideal access, nearby restaurants and pubs make it an attractive choice for anyone."

The plans will see an extra five car parking spaces created for pub and motel visitors, meaning there would be space for 30 vehicles.

Bosses also hope the close proximity to the A12 will make the motel appealing to motorists looking to break their journey overnight.

They insist there will be little impact on the surrounding area and no alterations will need to be made to the site aside from the extra parking spaces.

The Swan Inn is owned by Keens and Hunt Ltd which purchased the watering hole 25 years ago.

The firm has already built a set of cottages nearby and sold them off for residential use in order to cover the cost of the mortgage for the pub.