Two Shropshire pubs face threat of demolition

The derelict Habit pub in Bridgnorth looks set to become the site of three houses, while the River and Rail Inn, in nearby Hampton Loade, could also be knocked down to make way for two properties.

The Habit, in East Castle Street, is centuries old and closed in 2010.

It was put on the market with Nock Deighton with a freehold price £375,000 to include fixtures and fittings, and still has a premises licence to sell alcohol. Developers hope to create three split-level properties.

Meanwhile, River and Rail landlord Dave Browning said he still hoped to sell it as a pub but was "keeping his options open".

The 71-year-old built the business from scratch after moving to the area in 1975 but now plans to spend time with his two daughters, who live in France and Australia.

Mr Browning, who still works every day at his pub, extended the River and Rail and built a five-bedroomed house during his four decades at the helm. The pub was originally called the Haywain Restaurant. It was built in 1981 and offered a seven-course meal menu.

When the restaurant was at its peak Mr Browning served the likes of Sir Richard Branson.

It became the River and Rail in 2000.

The pub and house went on the market with Halls Wilkins Commercial for £575,000 and Mr Browning believed the right buyer could further improve the business.

There has also been planning permission for another extension since 2005.

The pub has been popular for years with canoeist, ramblers and fishermen, as well as people using tourist attractions such as the Hampton Loade ferry and the Severn Valley Railway. The news about the threat to the two pubs comes as the industry across the country continues to struggle.

In 1982, there were 67,800 pubs in the UK. By 2011, 50,395 were left, catering for an increasingly large population which does not seem to have the same appetite for pubs as it once had.

The recently-published Good Pub Guide 2014 predicted that between 2,500 and 4,000 pubs would close next year, while more than 1,000 new ones will open.

But the well-respected guide controversially said it could be good for the industry with "bad pubs" which are "stuck in the 1980s" making way for "visionary and energetic licensees."

The Campaign for Real Ale reacted with outrage, saying it was "bizarre that a book called the Good Pub Guide should welcome the closure of 4,000 pubs".

Meanwhile, a pub near Oswestry which has been closed for the past 18 months is set to be converted into housing.

The Hart And Trumpet, next to Gobowen Railway Station in Station Road, shut in January 2012 and since then has been used as a private home.

Shropshire Council has now given planning permission to convert the building into four apartments and a house.

Land at the back of the pub has also been earmarked for homes, with outline planning permission granted for up to eight semi-detached houses.

Under the plans, the pub will be split into a three-bedroom house and four apartments.

But the history of the pub will be reflected in the names of the new accommodation, which will be called Hart House and Trumpet Apartments.

The plans have been drawn up by Littlemoors Developments.

Paul Jones, agent for Littlemoors, said although the building wasn't listed, the developers recognise that it is a local landmark.

"It is an important feature of the village and stands as a testament to the success of the railways in a different era," he said.

"The developer plans to retain the original appearance as much as possible.

"The design will be carefully undertaken to ensure that the houses are seen as an enhancement to the area."

Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council had expressed concern about the plans because of the number of homes planned for the development and its location next to the busy road and railway level crossing.

To address these concerns, Shropshire Council has asked the developer to submit detailed plans for the layout of access into the site, including visibility for vehicles turning out of the development or driving past the entrance on the main road.

These plans will have to be approved before work begins.