PLANS to turn a village’s only pub into two homes have been recommended for approval, despite parish council objection.

The change of use application for Hallbankgate’s Belted Will Inn, outside of Brampton, was submitted in July this year.

Farlam Parish Council has argued that the pub is an "incredibly important resource" for the community, including several neighbouring villages and hamlets, and should be "protected at all costs."

Plans include the demolition of two rear extensions, the creation of a new window and door opening, the removal of a chimney, and the removal of the pub's signage to create the two three-bedroom homes. 

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has also voiced its opposition to the application, citing the loss of a "thriving and valued pub."

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The applicant states that despite the price being reduced by £100,000 and the change of estate agents three times, it has not had a single offer in the 15 years it has been on the market with the pub now becoming "unsustainable". 

They hope that with planning permission to convert the pub into two dwellings, someone might be encouraged to take on running the pub, knowing they have a fallback option.

The council recommendation report states: "Whilst the loss of the public house is regrettable, the applicant has provided robust evidence to demonstrate that they have tried to sell the property for over 6 months, as required by planning policies, and has provided evidence that it is not financially viable to run the pub and so the proposal to convert the property into two dwellings would, therefore, be acceptable in principle." 

The planning committee will make a final decision on the application on Wednesday, November 27.