The tenants of a village pub are set to launch a petition after plans were submitted to demolish it and put nine houses in its place.

Shaun Robinson, 27, a chef at The Compasses in Colchester Road, Great Totham, claims he had no idea about the plans to tear down his home until locals mentioned it.

Mr Robinson, who originally hails from Chelmsford and has worked in pubs in Danbury and Great Baddow, only took over the pub with partner Jessica Ratnage, 20, in January.