THERE are plans to turn a countryside pub in Herefordshire into a house as it's no longer required, viable or fit for purpose.

The owners of The Jolly Frog, near Leintwardine on the Herefordshire-Shropshire border, said they have marketed the pub for rent but nobody sees it as a viable business.

The pub has been closed for two years, so Stuart Lawson has asked Herefordshire Council if he can turn the pub, around one mile north of the village on the A4113, into a house.

In a design and access statement sent to the council, consultants gave nine reasons for why the scheme should be given the green light.

The statement said The Jolly Frog has not benefited from local trade and has not been a local asset, in part because of its remote location.

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With The Lion Inn and The Sun Inn also in Leintwardine, it means the owner feels there is not enough business for a third, especially as it's "beyond safe walking distance".

It said there was not sufficient parking, previous occupiers struggled to break-even, and there was no support or interest in the pub becoming a community asset.

Hereford Times: The River Teme at Leintwardine The River Teme at Leintwardine

The statement said: "Due to its small size and limited revenue potential the facility is not and never has been a significant local employer.

"The owners have entertained numerous enquiries for rental with not one individual or party considering it a viable and operable proposition.

"The business has now been closed for over two years with three successive tenants leaving at short notice and in financial difficulty despite paying low rent."

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It added: "There is no other community use other that its un-viable current use that will benefit the community.

"Leintwardine already has a village hall and community centre in the heart of the village.

"Given that the location is some distance from the main village then there no other use that would be of benefit to local residents."

The plans, which people can comment on until May 12, show the pub would be turned into a four bedroomed house, with three toilets and a games room.