PLANS to demolish a former pub between Thorverton and Silverton and build four houses in its place have been lodged with Mid Devon District Council.

Keith Hoskins secured planning permission last year to convert The Ruffwell Inn into four three-bedroom homes, but now wants to knock it down and build four four-bedroom homes instead.

The council said it had been “suitably demonstrated” the pub, which closed in 2020, was no longer economically viable when it gave the green light to convert it.

The new homes to be built after the demolition would have painted render walls, slate roofs, and UPVC windows, doors and gutters.

Each home would get a garden and parking space for one car. The site would still be accessed from the A396 as before.

Nobody wrote to Mid Devon District Council in support of, or in opposition to, the previous plans. No one has yet written to the council about the current plans. Silverton Parish Council supported the conversion of the pub.

“The proposed change of use will not damage the settlement’s ability to meet its day-to-day needs as there are numerous pubs, restaurants and services both in Silverton and Thorverton,” planning documents had argued for the conversion.

“Within 250 metres... is the Exe Valley Farm Shop and Ruby Red Café.

“There are also four other pubs within 1.25 miles of the site; The Thorverton Arms and The Exeter Inn located in Thorverton, while The Silverton Inn and Lamb Inn are located in Silverton.

“It is reasonable to state that the four pubs in a settlement of the size of Thorverton and Silverton is excessive and results in supply outstripping demand.

“The change of use of the site to residential use is considered the most viable option to secure a future use of the building, whilst also providing a modest contribution to meeting the district’s housing needs.”

This time, planning documents say the demolition would not “harm the privacy or amenity of occupiers of another dwelling and services of the site” or impact the road network, and that the designs are “visually attractive sitting well within the wider surroundings”.

You can see the current application for demolition on the council’s website under reference 26/00076/FULL.

You can see the approved application for conversion on the council’s website under reference 24/01628/FULL.

To see more public notices and planning applications, visit: publicnoticeportal.uk.