Pontesbury pub may be levelled to build new homes
A pub in a Shropshire village could be partly torn down and replaced by four homes, under plans revealed today.
Developers want to demolish part of the Nag's Head in Pontesbury, near Shrewsbury, and convert the remainder of the building.
The proposals, drawn up by Punch Taverns, would see three four-bed properties and one three-bed property created on the site of the former pub.
The houses would have gardens and two of the properties would have garages, while the plans also include 16 parking spaces.
Under the scheme, which has been submitted to Shropshire Council, the pub's existing bowling green would be retained. There would be eight car park spaces for the bowling green and a further eight residential car park spaces.
If the scheme is granted planning permission, two new access routes would be created onto the A488.
However opponents claim the loss of the pub would be mourned by villagers.
Chairman of Pontesbury Parish Council John Pritchard said today: "I think it will be a great loss and I think the right person could make a go of it. We have already lost two pubs in Pontesbury within the last 10 years."
Mr Pritchard added the parish council would not consider the application until developers proved the pub was not financially viable. But a design and access statement, submitted to Shropshire Council planners in support of the scheme, said it would benefit the local area.
It said: "The proposals will not only respect the traditional shape, form and natural features of this sustainable urban site, but enhance its appearance to the benefit not only of the residents of the scheme but of the area as a whole.
"The proposals are entirely sympathetic to the character and appearance of the area."
The pub's freehold is currently on the market for £265,000.
