A RURAL pub has been granted permission to close its doors permanently and be turned into a home.

The Trotting Horse in Bushton closed in 2016 following three attempts to relaunch the business. Owner Ian Tucker said: "Myself and my wife Janet have owned the pub since 2013. We are experienced publicans and have run four successful pubs. It was never our intent to close the pub down and change use." Residents claimed that a valuation of £625k was putting off potential buyers however owners of the drinking house said despite being on the market with no asking price, there had been no bids. The pub can now be developed, but councillors on the Northern Planning Committee limited the site from future expansion.