AN empty Leominster pub could be converted into new homes.

Plans have been submitted to Herefordshire Council by Smy Leisure Ltd to convert the Hop Pole, on Bridge Street, into one two-bedroom house and two two-bedroom apartments.

A design and access statement submitted alongside the application states that the pub has struggled to provide an adequate income despite attempts by various tenants over the last 15 years.

The property, the applicant states, has been vacant for more than a year, despite attempts to find a new tenant.

A separately submitted scheme for the site involves demolishing ancillary buildings and constructing 10 new homes on the pub's car park and beer garden.

Each house would have its own private garden and the proposal is for four two-bedroom houses and six three-bedroom houses although the exact details would be decided at a later date.

The layout of the scheme would be similar to the adjoining properties on Paradise Terrace.

A third proposal for the site involves building three small, affordable cottages on land adjoining the pub.

The area currently has a covered area and a storage building on land between it and the former public house.

Comments can be made on the proposals until March 2.