KENNET councillors have approved a planning application to convert the Bell Inn at Potterne, which has been empty for 18 months, to homes.
The owners, Clenche Properties, applied to convert the existing listed building into two homes and build another three in the car park and pub garden.
Evidence had been provided by the owners that the property is no longer viable as a village pub. It has had five landlords in the last ten years, all of whom have struggled to make it a successful business. The property has been on the market since October 2000 but no interest has been shown in running it as a pub.
The parish council, although regretting the loss of public house, raised no objection to the principle of converting the property to houses, though they had a number of minor objections to the plans.
Representations from neighbours centred on concerns about the removal of the boundary wall.
Councillors unanimously approved both listed building consent and the full planning application.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article