Plans to build two blocks of flats on the site of a former pub have been given the green light – for a third time.

The Fox and Hounds had served a steady flow of punters for decades at the end of what has now been dubbed the “last working class street” in Northfleet.

It was thought to have been demolished in 2007 after planning permission was granted to build numerous apartment blocks on the plot sat on the corner of Rural Vale and London Road.

However, despite this the development never materialised and a further application was subsequently approved but again did not go ahead.

In April, proposals to erect a four-storey and two-storey block of apartments were re-submitted to Gravesham council and have now been given the go-ahead by officers.

The major development will see four, two-bedroom and nine, one-bedroom flats built, with 13 parking spaces, amenity space, new vehicle access onto adjoining Rural Vale, and waste storage.

In their decision report, council officers said the 13 flats would offer a “minimal but important contribution” towards the borough’s housing need.

They added: “Overall, having fully considered the impact on surrounding properties it is concluded that the proposed massing of the development will not have an adverse impact on the surrounding properties to warrant a refusal or request a reduction in the development.”

It was approved by officers subject to planning conditions and the signing of a section 106 agreement.

Applicant Mr Singh, of Super Asset Management Ltd, has since agreed to the council’s requests.

Historian Christoph Bull said The Fox and Hounds appeared in the street directories from 1843 and would have originally served Rural Vale before later covering the area of Rosherville.

He believed the pub closed in 2002 and by December 2007 had been demolished.

Mr Bull added: “I was furious with this stupid and pointless demolition as Rural Vale was the last working class street in Northfleet, complete with a pub at the end of it.”

The site has been vacant since with blue hoardings erected around it.