PLANS to demolish an old Studley pub to build sheltered housing could see some opposition despite being generally welcomed by the parish council and neighbours.

Village historian and architect Ray Lamb spoke out this week in favour of saving the Duke of Marlborough pub in Alcester Road from the bulldozers.

Developer McCarthy and Stone has submitted plans to Stratford Council to knock down the 18th century building to build a three-storey, 43-flat complex for the elderly.

Parish councillors generally supported the scheme, as have neighbours of the pub.

Stratford Council has yet to give its approval but Mr Lamb said the building was too valuable to demolish.

He said: "I was most distressed, as an architect and a local historian, to learn a plan had been submitted to demolish the Duke of Marlborough Inn and build flats.

"This fine Georgian building is a former coaching inn which was built around 1760 when Studley was expanding with the growth of the needle industry.

"It is still one of the most prominent buildings in the village and an integral part of its heritage.

"I want to impinge on the conscience of villagers and show what the loss of yet another part of our heritage would mean."

Planning officer Les Greenwood said the building was not listed and permission did not need to be sought to knock it down.

He said conservationists could apply to the Government to get the pub listed but this was not often successful.

He added: "Councillors can take into account whether a development is going to harm the character and general appearance of an area."

The application is likely to be assessed in the next two months.