A NEW pub is to be built on the site of a previous one burnt to the ground in an arson attack.

Conditional planning permission has been granted for the replacement pub at the Merry Harriers, Forches Corner, on the Blackdown Hills.

Roderick Payne successfully applied to Taunton Deane Borough Council for the scheme.

The project includes demolishing a series of outbuildings. to make way for car parking and to improve visibility

The skittle alley on the south east boundary will be retained.

The Merry Harriers was burnt down in December 2016.