AN application to pull down the skittle alley at the Mare and Foal, Yeoford and put up a three-bedroomed house has been refused by Mid Devon District Council.

The planning application was for the new house and a new access after demolition of the skittle alley, garage and store.

The district council’s view was that "change of use of part of the pub to a dwelling would be likely to be detrimental to the on-going viability and future use of the site as a public house."

It felt this would not be "a high quality residential environment" and was contrary to planning policies for the district and the county.

The district council also said that there had not been sufficient justification to show that use of the site as a pub was no longer viable.

It also said the access did not give enough visibility for vehicles coming out and would result in "a material increase" in the amount of traffic and a change in the sort of traffic.

Crediton Hamlets Parish Council had objected to the application, 41 letters of objection had been received plus one in support.

Sue Read