A LONG-RUNNING village pub and restaurant could still close to make way for a new home.

Plans to close the Wagon Wheel in Grimley near Worcester and convert it into a home were rejected by the council last year over fears it would result in the village losing a valuable facility.

But the restaurant could still close and be replaced with new homes if a government inspector overturns the decision.

Planners at Malvern Hills District Council rejected the plans in July last year but an appeal was lodged with the government’s planning inspector which, if won, could see the pub closed and converted into a home.

The council said it had been refused because the restaurant and pub was a “valued community facility” which would not be replaced in Grimley if it closed.

The council added that despite the owners trying to sell the restaurant since 2014, they had not shown that it could not stay open as a restaurant. Officers also said the new homes would be out-of-character for the rest of the village.

The pub and restaurant would be converted into a home with two new homes built behind it on the current car park. Some of the modern extensions to the building would also be demolished.

Owners Giuseppe and Julie Giuliano have been looking to sell the business since 2014, according to the planning application, and whilst they would like to see the building stay as a pub or restaurant have been unable to attract any interest.

“The present owners of the Wagon Wheel have built the business since their ownership began over 31 years ago,” it said.

“They are experienced restaurateurs and the Wagon Wheel has operated successfully as a restaurant but not as a traditional pub.

“Very little trade has been achieved from the pub/drinks side of the business. In recent years the restaurant trade has also suffered as a result of the growth in the sector of chain pubs offering discounted food. Mr and Mrs Giuliano are now of retirement age and have sought to sell the business actively since 2014.”

Grimley Parish Council said it was “dismayed” by the plans but raised no objection.

Councillors were also concerned the closure of the restaurant would result in problems for nearby Grimley and Holt CE Primary School which is allowed to use the car park as a drop off and pick up point.