AN empty village pub could soon be given a fresh lease of life according to new plans.

The Red Lion in Holt Heath near Worcester, which has been closed for more than a year, looks set to be refurbished alongside plans to build three new homes on the pub’s car park.

The pub closed in November 2020 with the departing landlords saying they were walking away from their dream after little over a year having experienced ’12 months of hell.’

The refurbishment plans for the pub off the village’s Witley Road includes eight refurbished bedrooms with ensuites and a new entrance.

A statement included with the application: “The proposed scheme is the formation of three new buildings to the section of the existing car parking area to the vacant site, which will share the existing access to the existing car park, and then allow for the increase of car parking to the rear of the pub and to reduce a section of the overgrown garden and wasteland area.

“The proposal is to provide quality housing in design and to enhance the existing site, but also to maintain the grounds to the existing public house and to keep it operating within the village.

“The proposal of the three dwelling units would use a quality reclaimed looking brick, with render and cladding features, with clay roof tiles.

“Plot one will be a four-bedroom dwelling with under croft parking for two spaces, with electric vehicle charging points.

“Plots two and three will be a pair of semi-detached three-bedroom dwellings with under croft parking for two vehicles.”

Previous landlords Kate Stacey and Stephen Wright took over the Red Lion in Holt Heath in October 2019 and poured £50,000 into refurbishing the pub.

The pair announced they would be moving on a little over a year later following a number of forced closures brought on by several Covid lockdowns.

The application can be viewed via the planning section of Malvern Hills District Council’s website.

The application number is M/22/00205/FUL.

Public consultation ends on March 23.