VILLAGERS have objected to the latest plan to convert part of a long-running pub and restaurant into homes.

Part of the Wagon Wheel in Grimley near Worcester would be demolished to be converted into two homes under the plans but residents have said they do not want to see the village lose a valuable pub and restaurant.

One objector in Camp Lane said: "We have lived in the village for over 26 years and used to visit the Wagon Wheel on a regular basis.

"It is well supported by people far and wide and if you mention Grimley people often say they frequent either The Wagon Wheel or The Camp Inn.

"We would be sad to see another aspect of the village disappear and would like to see the Wagon Wheel continuing if necessary under new ownership. We do not support the proposed change of use."

Another objector in the village said: "We have a responsibility to act now to keep our special village pub - our village interest must be to preserve the pub for the long term future so it can continue to benefit the local community.

"We have lived in the village for over 25 years and the Wagon is a key part of the village.

"It is a successful business that is an essential village asset; there is no reason at all that it should so for the long term."

Several objectors said they were not against the pub being converted into housing but opposed the design.

Grimley Parish Council raised no objection to the plan.

Some villagers also supported saying the main issues of flooding and the quality of the design had been addressed in the new application.

An application to build three homes was rejected by Malvern Hills District Council almost two years ago over fears it would result in the village losing a valuable facility.

Owners Giuseppe and Julie Giuliano, who have been trying to sell since 2014, had looked to have the decision overturned by the government's planning inspectorate but despite a hearing ruling that the restaurant was not a 'community asset' it still threw out the appeal.

Planners at Malvern Hills District Council rejected the plans in July 2019 because it said the restaurant and pub was a “valued community facility” which would not be replaced in Grimley if it closed.

The council added that despite the owners trying to sell the restaurant, they had not shown that it could not stay open as a restaurant and the new homes would be out-of-character for the village.

Government planning inspector Gareth Thomas determined the Wagon Wheel was not a community asset but could not overturn the decision saying there was a risk of flooding and the homes would not fit in with the rest of the village.