Flats plan for disused pub

A Telford pub that has stood empty for 18 months could be converted into flats. Plans have been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council to change the Pear Tree Bridge Inn in Oakengates into six one-bed flats.Developer also want to build a block of four two-bedroom flats at the Holyhead Road site, along with four garages and two two-bedroomed semi-detached houses.

The planning application has been sent in by Bebbs Building Co Ltd.

Stuart Bebbington, who owns Bebbs Building Co and the Pear Tree, said if permission was granted, work would begin straight away.

He said he had decided to build homes on the site because he did not believe reopening the pub was viable, partly due to the number of pubs already open in the area.

But he is keen to retain as many of the historic features of the pub as possible, having seen old photographs of the building.

Mr Bebbington said: "I want to be sympathetic to the outside of the pub and keep it looking similar to how it was."

Oakengates Town Council will discuss the planning application on Monday.

Telford & Wrekin Councillor Sean Kelly, ward member for Oakengates, said:"I think there is a need to deal with that site. It's an eyesore. It's been empty for 18 months to two years.

"It's a shame it can't be retained as a local pub but of course we all know that nationally they are struggling to survive, therefore in principle, I accept the proposed application."