A “BEAUTIFUL” 150-year-old pub could be demolished to make way for a block of flats.

An application was made three weeks ago by the CBHA housing association to knock down the Woodhouse Tavern in Harrow Road, Leytonstone, and build affordfable housing.

landlord Jim Prucell, 65, is in talks with CBHA to sell the pub.

The proposed properties would be four stories high and include 10 flats.

The walls of the pub, which was built in 1865, feature pictures of the pub’s long history.

Mr Prucell and his wife Bridie first bought the pub back in 1981 and after almost 30 years serving in Leytonstone they have said they are now looking to sell.

Mr Prucell said: “A lot of pubs in the area have been closed down. There have been seven that I know of in the past 5 years.

“About 10 or 15 years ago, it used to be full of people. If you came off the dart board, there was no chance of you getting back on.

“Now we don’t get many customers in any more. It’s a shame but that’s the way pubs are going in the area.

“It’s a beautiful pub and it will be a shame to have to see it go.”

CBHA have yet to comment on their plans.