A developer granted planning permission to demolish the function room at the empty Stage Post pub in West Lavington wants to retain the inn.

The indication is given in a new application made by FPC (West Lavington) to build four semi-detached houses at the rear of the Stage Post, in High Street.

The Gazette has tried to contact FPC, which has an address in Harley Street, London, through its agents, but no-one has responded.

The Stage Post closed four years ago and is boarded up.

A previous application, submitted last September, to demolish the pub and build a Budgens supermarket and six houses, was withdrawn following opposition to the store.

The pub, originally called The Wheatsheaf, dates from the 18th century although it has been added to over the years with modern extensions.

FPC was granted permission by Wiltshire Council planners last month to demolish the function room and extensions and create a beer garden.

In the planning application the company said the reconfigured pub would be a more suitable size giving it a better commercial future.

Last week FPC applied for permission to build four homes at the rear of the pub following demolition of the function room.

The application states: “The application results from the applicant’s desire to retain and refurbish the Stage Post public house to the front of the site... four semi-detached dwellings to the rear to form a small cottage style terrace when viewed from the High Street”.

Thirteen car parking spaces are proposed.