PLANS to convert the destroyed Merry Harrier pub’s surviving skittle alley into holiday lets has been approved - on the condition the entire pub is rebuilt.

The owners applied for permission to convert the disused skittle alley into five ensuite rooms for holidaymakers in October last year, on the basis the site was “no longer of any community value.”

The bid was supported by West Buckland Parish Council - but opposed by some local residents. Writing to Somerset Council to lodge their objections, Mr and Mrs Purvis, who run the nearby Kingsmead Centre campsite, said: “The current permitted use of the building could have an ability to bring in revenue, through skittles teams or as use as a community space for meetings and parties.

“Our long established business, the Kingsmead Centre, comprises up to 70 camping pitches and six static caravans and is located less than 300 metres away from the Merry Harriers site.

“The need for five more holiday units in that location, so close to existing accommodation, is not necessary and could be financially detrimental to our business, particularly if the development were to go ahead without the pub being developed.

“We feel strongly that the skittle alley has potential for other uses, which could benefit the local community and existing tourists, enabling our businesses to operate side-by-side, rather than in competition.”

Although the pub was burnt down in an arson attack in 2016, the site still remains earmarked for use as a public house. Assessing the application, Somerset Council case officer Denise Todd advised the holiday-let plan was acceptable, on conjunction with the replacement of the pub.

Somerset Council planners appeared to agree with her assessment, giving the go-ahead to the conversion plans, but only if the owners rebuild the pub too. Commenting on the application.

They said: “The holiday accommodation hereby permitted shall not be first brought into use unless and until the public house, known as The Merry Harriers, is built and in operation for its intended purpose.

“Once brought into use the holiday accommodation shall only be used as holiday and overnight accommodation in connection with the associated public house, The Merry Harriers.

“It shall not be used for any other purpose without the prior written consent of the local planning authority.”

The owners of the Merry Harriers site also own a Somerset-based holiday park business which operates six sites across the South West.

It is unclear whether Mr Vowles, who owns Vowles Parks Ltd, intends to now rebuild and operate the destroyed pub, or whether he will appeal Somerset Council’s condition that he do so.

The historic pub, which is thought to date to the 1600s, was once a popular destination for locals and visitors. Local councillors previously raised concerns that demolition of the existing outbuildings could ‘bury’ their history, including when in the 19th century they were used to garrison troops from the Somerset militia.

Mr Vowles was approached for comment but did not respond before publication.