WINCHESTER civic chiefs are considering trying to buy a former city pub and building homes on the site.

City councillors discussed the New Queens Head site in Stanmore in confidential session at the overview and scrutiny committee.

The Daily Echo understands that the city council is potentially interested in purchasing the site which is owned by Enterprise Inns. It also owns land adjacent to the site which would make it more attractive for housing.

It is the last pub in Stanmore following the closure in 2009 of the Stanmore Hotel to make way for a care home.