PLANS have been submitted to Somerset Council for the demolition of an ancillary building attached to a popular local pub.

Red Oak Taverns, who own the Cheddar Valley Inn, in Wells, have applied to erect two three-bedroom dwellings on the site of the existing ancillary building, with associated landscaping and parking spaces, whilst retaining the existing public house

The news comes after the pub was put up for sale in November 2023.

The single-storey ancillary building which the owners hope to demolish is reportedly 'in a state of moderate disrepair', and 'of limited value' - it's currently used solely for storage purposes.

The proposed houses in place of this building would be semi-detached, two-storeys high, with a pitched roof, and a brick chimney stack.

The planning statement reads: "The proposed dwellings will be wrapped in white render, with a painted black brick plinth running around the bottom.

"The roof will be covered with clay roof tiles.

"Both proposed buildings will benefit from painted timber sash windows and painted timber doors, with black painted aluminium rainwater goods."

In addition, both of the houses would feature private rear gardens, as well as two private parking spaces each, which would include electric vehicle charging points.

Although the pub building is set to be unaffected by the development, if plans are approved, the beer garden would reduce in size, as well as the car park.

The application states that the money raised from the sale of the development plot would be directly reinvested into the Cheddar Valley Inn.

Updates to the application can be viewed by searching reference number 2023/2351/FUL on the Somerset Council website.

Public consultation on the plans is open until Wednesday, January 31, and a decision will be made by Friday, March 1 at the latest.