FOUR new village homes near Wellington could be created in a dilapidated public house which closed more than a decade ago.

The Ayshford Arms, in Burlescombe, was shut in August, 2014, after it became unviable and has since been on the market for sale with ‘little to no’ interest from potential buyers despite the price being dropped from £395,000 to £250,000.

Planning agent Scott Wood, of SDW Design, High Wycombe, said permission was given in 2015 for the ground floor of the pub to be converted into two two-bedroom homes but this had since lapsed.

Now, the Phillips family which had owned the pub for 18 years wanted to change the use of the ground floor to residential to create four homes.

Mr Wood said a small single-storey extension to the rear of the building and the pub’s skittle alley would need to be demolished.

He said: “The proposal would look to keep the existing character and charm of the building with only improvements made to the elevations and internal layouts.

“The conversion will update the facade to provide a charming cottage-style row of dwellings of a high quality of design while also tying in with the existing public house.”

Currently, the Ayshford Arms is configured with a restaurant, commercial kitchen, and bar area on the ground floor, with five bedrooms and a feature lounge on the first floor.

It also has a residential conversion project next door which has planning consent for two houses and which is subject to separate negotiations.

Burlescombe parish councillors said they were not opposed to the principle of the change of use but had concerns given the state of the building.

Acting parish clerk Susan McGeever said councillors felt the proposed parking spaces were inadequate and it would be better to use the pub’s existing car park.

Ms McGeever said: “It is believed there is a proviso that an area of the building should be able to be brought back into use as public house and, if correct, the planning permission, if granted, should reflect this.”

Councillors also felt the pub’s proximity to a railway bridge raised some road safety issues, particularly given the number of lorries using the road, and wanted consideration given to a 20 mph zone.

Some neighbours in the private Ayshford Close also highlighted car parking issues with concern that the current proposals could see a legal right of way blocked for residents.

David Cawthorne said: “The access to Ayshford Close needs to be kept clear for residents, deliveries, refuse collection, and emergency vehicles.

“We feel this would be best served if the parking for residents of the new properties was designated within the existing pub car park plot to the north of the site.”

Stephen Bisiker feared the development was likely to significantly increase traffic in the area, particularly on a dangerous corner with many lorries travelling through the village.

Mid Devon District Council originally set a target date to determine the planning application by December 31, but has not yet done so.