PLANS to convert a derelict pub into housing could prove a ‘win win’ for local residents, it has been claimed.

Kinson North councillor Dennis Gritt said he welcomed the idea of converting the Thatched House pub in East Howe into two semi-detached houses and building four new houses in the grounds.

The pub has been closed for over a year but when open, was the subject of noise and anti-social behaviour complaints from local residents.

The Grade II-listed building was put up for sale last year but no offers were made by anyone wanting to operate the building as a pub.

Fish Develop-ments Ltd has now submitted plans to convert the listed building into two homes, renovating the thatched roof and the distinctive windows.

However, the developers claim this is not a viable proposition by itself so they also propose to build four new houses at the southern end of the site.

“The renovation of the listed building and its change of use to two homes is not financially viable in its own right and the four new houses are therefore required to make the scheme as a whole a financially viable proposition,” their application states.

“If the development is not viable it will not come forward, which would not be in the interests of the long-term preservation of the heritage asset.”

Cllr Gritt said: “In principle I’m really for this development, providing residents’ views are taken into account and it passes the planning panel.

“We had horrendous problems previously when it was a pub. I think this is a good thing all round, it’s a win-win situation.

“Hopefully the houses there will be low cost housing that people can get a mortgage on.”

The application is currently subject to public consultation and will be considered in due course.