AN appeal to turn a pub into a home has been dismissed.

The owners of The Fountain Inn in Orcop wanted to convert the pub, which has been closed since 2012, into a residential house.

Herefordshire Council refused the planning application last November and the owners appealed.

But last month the appeal was dismissed by Government inspector, Thomas Shields.

He said there was not enough evidence to show how long the pub had been put on the market for and at what prices.

He added: "Notwithstanding this lack of clarity, the marketing evidently produced 1,725 requests for sales particulars, 22 viewings, and two purchasers; one of whom, referred to at the hearing as the second purchaser, withdrew from the purchase only because of their inability to sell their own house."

Mr Shields said there seemed to be a level of interest and confidence in prospective purchasers that the public house would be a viable business proposition.

He said he considered the proposed development would result in an unnecessary loss of a valued community facility.