PLANNERS will consider an application to turn the Four Crosses Inn into three dwellings when they meet on Thursday, February 28.

The application by Eaglescourt Developments Ltd to convert the pub has been called in front of Powys County Council’s planning committee as the village believes that the pub should not be lost as a community facility.

There is belief in the village that the pub could be bought by someone who wants to re-open it.

Local county councillor, Arwel Jones (Independent), said: “The property was advertised for sale for some 18 months but without the car park.

“Who’s going to buy a public house without a car park?

“As the Community Council reports we are aware that a local businessman is very keen to purchase this property with a view to bringing it back to its former glory now that the village has a bypass and safety has improved.”

Llandysilio Community Council has refused the application as they believe the pub would come under a policy that seeks to protects community assets such as village pubs.

They said: “It is very important to note that the dynamics of the village of Four Crosses has changed considerably following the opening of the bypass in 2011.

“Previously the pub sat at a busy crossroads with exit onto the

A483 being difficult and the pub relied mainly on local trade.

“With the construction of the bypass and the presence of a roundabout any customers can now turn off the busy A483 into the village and then into the

pub.

“It  sits within a few yards of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail and 100 yards from the Montgomery Canal which is in the process of restoration.

“With the right management the Four Crosses Inn could return to being the hub of the village and surrounding area.

“It is also important to note that for such a pub to thrive that it is vital that it be given the space and that the entire site is marketed for sale.”

Milton Keynes based Eaglescourt believe they have met all the criteria for marketing the site for a sale.

Eaglescourt Developments Ltd said: “We have had a continuous sustained market approach for 21 months over and above the six months minimum required and have had no positive results.”

On the businessman who has been mentioned as a potential buyer, they said: “It was not possible to reach a deal, since he was insistent that he wouldn’t buy the pub and car park unless he could also buy the adjacent field, which was not connected to the pub activity as it was agricultural land.

“We chose not to sell this agricultural land.”

Planning officer Kate Bowen said: “Whilst it is regrettable that the proposal would result in the loss of a community facility, given that viability of the public house is questionable, it is concluded that the proposal complies with the Local Development Plan (LDP), the provision of housing within the settlement boundary is acceptable.

“The recommendation is one of conditional consent.”