TIME has been called on attempts to find a buyer for Stamfordham’s Bay Horse pub.

Instead, the Grade II listed building may soon be transformed into three terraced houses.

The historic village pub was taken on five years ago by Tynedale businessman Semore Kurdi, who also runs the Angel in Corbridge.

But it was put on the market in August last year and officially closed its doors in November following a season of financial losses.

And after over a year on the market with no buyer in sight, owner Mr Kurdi has submitted a planning application to convert the pub into three homes.

Hexham firm, Kevin Doonan Architects, has drawn up plans for the conversion of the building.

Built as an inn with stabling in the 18th century, the building was extended in both the 19th and 20th centuries but still boasts a number of original features.

The application seeks to divide the building into three homes, in the east wing, west wing and central linking block.

Modern extensions will be removed to create garden space and car parking.

The application claims the conversion will have ‘little impact on the historic fabric of the building.’

In general the application will limit openings for windows and doors to previously adapted openings.

Unit one, in the east wing, will re-instate the missing section of an original staircase as a straight flight.

Plans for the central unit will ‘redefine’ the original central stabling block by removing modern rear extensions which may expose concealed historic features which may be incorporated into the design.

The third unit in the west wing will remove the ‘unsightly’ extension to the south of the building to expose an opening in the south gable which will form a new entrance.

Managing director of the pub, Kevin Laing, said: “It’s a shame but we can’t afford to operate a pub that makes monthly losses.

“We had it on the market at quite a reduced price and there were still no offers coming in.

“The way the industry is going more and more village pubs are closing.

“It’s a Grade II listed building, there’s a lot of history and character in it.

“It’s important that we keep the look and the fabric of internal and external features and that’s what the drawings have done.

“There are not a lot of houses for sale in Stamfordham.

“It’s a nice area for people working in town to escape back into the countryside.”