A TOWN council and civic society has objected to plans for new homes on the site of an empty Leominster pub.

Smy Leisure Ltd is seeking permission to convert the Hop Pole, on Bridge Street, into one two-bedroom house and two two-bedroom apartments.

A separately submitted scheme for the site involves demolishing ancillary buildings and constructing 10 new homes on the pub's car park and beer garden.

A third proposal involves building three small, affordable cottages on land adjoining the pub.

However, Leominster Town Council has said in a formal objection to the scheme that despite requests being submitted to organise a site visit, it has been 'frustrated' in its wish to properly discuss the three applications with the developer.

Other comments relate to insufficient space to store waste and the town council states that an application to register the site as a community asset, submitted in December 2016, should be allowed to go through its full process before the application is determined.

"There is historically significant architectural features in the existing building (medieval cruck roof) which should be protected," it added.

"The proposal will have an adverse effect on the entrance to the town of Leominster."

Meanwhile, Leominster Civic Society has stated that it believes the whole redevelopment of the Hop Pole site should be regarded as one application.

It said: "The site contains an important medieval hall, possibly the oldest secular building in Leominster. A full historical architectural survey should be undertaken before any work is carried out."

In a design and access statement submitted alongside the application, the developer states that the pub has struggled to provide an adequate income despite attempts by various tenants over the last 15 years.

The property, the applicant adds, has been vacant for more than a year, despite attempts to find a new tenant.

The application is still being considered and has a target determination date of Thursday, March 23.