AN iconic pub will be transformed into homes, a vets and convenience store by the end of the year, developers have revealed.

Novellus Capital, which owns the former King Canute pub, in Canvey Road, Canvey, is hoping to complete work by December.

Plans to build a veterinary practice and two three-bedroom houses in the car park were approved in September. The first floor of the building will also be converted into two flats.

The Echo revealed earlier this week the Co-op wants to use the ground floor for a convenience store, with a cash machine outside.

A spokesman for Novellus said it aims to finish the entire project before the start of 2018.

He said: “We are hoping to complete work by December this year, subject to the Co-op getting planning permission.”

Castle Point Council will decide on the convenience store application by the end of spring.

Four previous attempts to develop the site emerged after the pub closed in May 2014. The applications were thrown out after they did not include work to the main building.

Campaigners feared development around the historic pub, which was used as a safe haven for families fleeing the 1953 floods on the island, would see the King Canute change beyond recognition.

A petition calling on Wetherspoons to take over the pub was launched by islanders in 2015, but the chain pulled out of talks.

Castle Point Councils planning committee imposed a condition on Novellus that the facade of the building must remain untouched, with plans eventually being unanimously approved last year.