A PUB renamed after Royal Wootton Bassett was granted its royal status four years ago is to be turned into a shop and flats.

The Royal Inn, in the High Street, has been closed for more than two years while the owner, Swindon-based Arkell’s brewery, tried to find a buyer.

However, after no success, the brewery now intends to retain the building and convert it into four flats and a shop.

On January 21, Wiltshire Council granted planning permission for the work.

Conditions include that materials used must match the existing external surfaces, building cannot start until plans for the parking area have been consolidated and plans for surface water drainage have been approved. In addition, any gates must be 4.5m from the end of the road, and must only open inwards.

A spokesman for Arkell’s said the bewery intended to retain ownership of the building.

Last May, Wiltshire Council rejected a similar request to convert the site into five apartments after the town council said it objected to a ground floor apartment and the lost potential for business.

But the latest plans mean the ground-floor would retain a commercial element, which has been approved by councillors.

Arkell's had announced plans to investigate other options for the site, including selling it as a residential dwelling, after 18 months without any success in finding a buyer.

At the time Barry Russell, the finance director at Arkell's, said: “The Royal has been closed for 18 months and it has been on the market as a commercial property since then.

“But there have been no commercial offers and the brewery does not want Wootton Bassett to have an empty building on the High Street. It’s exploring an alternative usage in which residential may play a part.”

The news concerned local businesses and residents, with many wanting to see the High Street property back in use.

At the time Hazel Newson, the chairman of the Royal Wootton Bassett Business Association, said: “Ideally it would be good to see The Royal reopened as another business in the town.”

The pub, which has been in the town for more than 200 years, opened as the Borough Arms between 1812 and 1829.

It was renamed in October 2011, and sold a specially brewed Royal Bassett Ale to celebrate the royal patronage.

To view the plans, visit wiltshire.gov.uk/planninganddevelopment.htm and search for planning application number 14/07458/FUL.