AN empty pub which has so far failed to sell at auction would be better kept as a pub despite the tough economic climate, says the local councillor.

The Red Lion pub in Witley Road, Holt Heath, near Worcester, did not sell at auction as the district councillor for the village expresses the hope a pub can be incorporated into any future developments.

Worcester News: OPPORUNITY: The Red Lion in Witley Road, Holt Heath OPPORUNITY: The Red Lion in Witley Road, Holt Heath (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Cllr Dean Clarke, a Malvern Hills district councillor for the village, expressed his surprise the Red Lion did not sell while his views about the derelict pub echo those of villagers the Worcester News has spoken to.

The independent who represents Grimley, Hallow and Holt said: "I would very much like - as I think most locals do -  to see it retained as a pub as there's no pub within safe walking distance within the district.

"Pubs are vital for community cohesion. I'm minded to say that an application that would help retain the pub seems to be popular locally.

"It's a shame for all the pubs locally the way the economy is running at the moment."

READ MORE: Empty Red Lion at Holt Heath now up for auction today

READ MORE: Red Lion pub at Holt Heath did not sell at auction

Auctioneers Cottons revealed the pub still had not sold and it was not clear at this stage whether there would be another auction after the last one on July 12.

A spokesperson for Cottons said on a previous occasion the property did not reach the reserve in the room but remains on the market for £475,000. 

The property has been described as a freehold vacant public house on a large plot with redevelopment potential. 

The pub has stood empty for over two and a half years.

Many residents recalled with fondness what they said was the heyday of the once 'thriving' pub under former landlord, Derek Hine.

Sheila Ellwood, 68, who has lived in the village since 1983 said she felt the 'historic' pub building itself should be kept and would be a good site for a business, possibly a pre-school.

"There are very few of the old properties left along the road to Hallow. I have seen the pub thrive and cease to thrive. I would love to see it back open as a new, thriving business. It's an ideal location for a business. It would have been nice if it could have been kept as a pub."

The pub closed in November 2020. A planning application has been submitted by George Windsor for two homes at the back of the site although a decision on the proposal has yet to be reached by Malvern Hills District Council.

Previous plans to demolish the pub and replace it with six four-bed houses were rejected by planners after the pub was deemed to be an important community asset. However, a separate plan that would see the pub renovated was approved.