A FORMER pub steeped in village history could be turned into homes.

A planning application for The Oddfellows in Walwyn Road, Colwall, shows the building converted into four flats and a house, with the stable block turned into another house.

The pub, previously The Horse and Jockey, has been closed since 2001. Early last century, jockeys who rode at Colwall Park Racecourse stayed there.

Real ale action group CAMRA said there was little support in the village for the pub reopening.

Mark Haslam, of Herefordshire and Worcestershire CAMRA, said: "We're aware that this pub has now been closed for some considerable time and, in anticipating this application, we sought the views of interested parties in Colwall late last year.

"It's our view that there is little support for this pub re-opening, probably due to the fact there are already three other pubs in the village.

"In the absence of any such community support for The Oddfellows, it is unlikely we would object to the planning application as it stands. It's a sad fact that not every pub can have a bright future."

Colwall resident Marion Percy agreed. She said: "I think everybody will be pleased to see something done to it. The roof isn't going to last a lot longer and it's becoming a bit of an eyesore."

However, Mrs Percy said she thought only the original buildings should be converted and no new buildings added.

A previous application to convert the site into four flats, with a trio of three-storey terraced houses to the rear, was withdrawn in October last year after the applicant discussed problems with Herefordshire Council planning officers.

Colwall Parish Council's planning committee will consider the latest application on Wednesday (April 13).

Mr N Shepherd, agent for applicant Ledbury Park Developments of Gloucester, was unavailable for comment.

In 2001, a Herefordshire Council proposal to build 95 houses on land near The Oddfellows was withdrawn, after fierce opposition from local residents.