Former Bridgnorth pub to be converted into homes

Revised plans for The Habit, in East Castle Street, have been approved by Shropshire Council.

The derelict pub in Bridgnorth, which closed its doors in 2010, was set to become the site of three houses but the plans were changed to two.

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.

The plans for the Grade II-listed building by G C Rickards (Investments) Ltd will include minimal changes to the outside.

Shropshire Council case officer Thomas Cannaby said the works would utilise the existing fabric where but new doors, walls and a stair case would be added.

He said: "Externally the only addition is a window overlooking the curtilage. East Castle Street is a historic residential street in the town, with a distinctive form of town houses, which lead up to the church at the end, set a short distance from the town centre."

Mr Cannaby said although the changes would see the loss of a community facility, the public house was located on the edge of the town centre, which was well supplied by other restaurants, cafes and pubs.

The council's conservation officer, Matthew Knight, said the building was within the Bridgnorth Conservation Area but few of its original features remained intact.

He said: "The proposals respect the internal layout of the building and would enable its beneficial use."