A FORMER pub near Kempsey which has been closed since 2012 could be converted into housing.

Malvern Hills District Council has received an application for the conversion of the Inn at Stonehall, Stonehall Common, into a home.

The pub, originally known as the Fruiterers Arms, is on an unclassified country lane about three miles east of Kempsey.

According the the application, submitted by Mr Clive Parker, its last known use was as a wedding venue, which failed due to financial difficulties.

"The building has remained vacant for the past four years and its condition has continued to decline significantly. The applicant purchased the property at auction in December 2015. Notably there was little interest shown by any other party despite the property being well advertised on Right Move and by Allsop Auctioneers," says the application.

It also says there are four pubs or restaurants within about two miles of Stonehall Common, a further four pubs in Kempsey and another at Drakes Broughton.

"Given the size of the population of Stonehall Common it is clear that there is an abundance of public houses and restaurants within the immediate locality which adequately serve the community’s needs.

"Taking account of the current state of building, its rural location and existing layout, there is no realistic opportunity that the building would function as any other form of community facility.

"The building is structurally sound and its conversion can be achieved without any major structural work or any major rebuilding. As detailed on the accompanying plans very little changes would be required to the external fabric of the building."