A NEW pub could be built in the car park of a former tavern if newly-submitted plans are approved.

D. C. Li Builders has put forward an application to also build two new two-bedroom houses and covert the Black Swan in Monxton.

The developer said that it had been in discussions with Monxton Parish Council about the potential of a community project encompassing the Black Swan and the car park, but it was abandoned, in part due to the scale of the undertaking to renovate the pub which closed in 2016.

The council identified that there is local support for a new community hub, culminating in a referendum, and now the company has decided to continue alone with the scheme.

“The design of the new pub will still incorporate many of the needs of the community identified during the community consultation process,” a planning statement lodged as part of the application says.

“The car park is centrally located adjacent to the green and Pillhill Brook, providing an ideal location for the new pub.”

Along with the pub, it is also planned that two new houses will be built.

The application added: “The two new cottages will continue the theme along the High Street of traditional cottages built in natural materials. The traditionally proportioned dwellings will respect the character of the local area. The external design of the new pub reflects the many discussions with the parish council.

“This carefully considered proposal means that two new dwellings can be accommodated which will not only respect the character of the area but will enhance it.”

And work is also panned to be carried out to the Black Swan to create a new home, which is proposed to enhance the heritage asset following years of unauthorised work which has eroded the character.

To view the application, go to view-applications.testvalley.gov.uk and search 19/01229/FULLN.