Pints will be flowing by the Diss Mere at a new JD Wetherspoon pub as early as next summer, if a long-awaited development goes ahead as planned.

The pub chain has lodged a renewed application to build at King's Head Yard, a carpark down a short lane off Mere Street between a Poundland and a branch of Thomas Cook.

JD Wetherspoon estimates the two-storey pub will cost £2.7m to build.

The building will feature a mezzanine level and balcony with views across the water.

There will also be a beer garden and a section jutting out over the Mere, directly next to a boardwalk which is currently being built and will lead around to the new Mere Gardens.

The family company of Joe Darrell, of Tacolneston, owns the land and will lease it long-term to JD Wetherspoon.

Mr Darrell said he was delighted it looked like the pub would finally go ahead.

He said: 'I'm very pleased that it looks like everything is now coming to fruition and possibly in summer next year we will be able to enjoy a pint of beer there on the waterfront.

'I think everybody is looking forward to opening day.'

The pub would employ 15 full-time staff and 20 part-timers, and open 7am to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 7am to 1am Thursday to Saturday.

MORE: Work to build Mere boardwalk in Diss beginsIt would have a floor space of 836 square metres, and boast a design inspired by 'reeds and grasses at the Mere's edge'.

Mr Darrell said the pub chain had been given the green light to build on the site four years ago, but changes to the design meant construction was delayed, and their permission expired a year ago.

An artist's impression shows the planned pub called The King's Head, as that was the name of the previous watering hole near the site.

But Mr Darrell said JD Wetherspoon might decide to call it something else.

Planning documents show that of the 50 parking spaces currently on the site, 18 would initially be kept. But Mr Darrell said the site could be further developed with small shops and a kiosk.

The plans are available to view on the South Norfolk Council website by searching for application number 2017/1882

What do you think of the plans? Email your views to stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk