DEVELOPERS want to convert a historic pub in Ross-on-Wye into two separate homes.

Robert Macey has submitted plans to Herefordshire Council to partly demolish the Grade II listed Horse & Jockey pub in New Street.

This is part of a scheme to convert the pub, which has been closed for more than two years, into two four bedroom homes.

The planning documents say the public house used to be two separate private homes before it was converted in the 19th Century.

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Mr Macey says his intention is to rename the houses Hastings House and Merry Monk House as well as keep the inset ceramic Best in The West sign.

“These names continue the horse racing theme of the Horse & Jockey,” the design and access statement says.

“From September 1836 to September 1922 Ross had a very popular racecourse. The right-handed course was located on Moor Meadow at Weir End.

“Hastings House; this will commemorate a major patron of the races, the Honourable Aubrey Craven Theophilus Robin Hood Hastings, a very famous Jockey and trainer who trained at least five Grand National winners.

“Merry Monk House: this will commemorate the top horse at the 1836 meeting. Merry Monk.”

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However, three residents have objected to the scheme and Herefordshire Campaign for Real Ale has vowed to oppose the plans.

Nick Nelson, who used to frequent the Horse & Jockey, said it was a wonderful place and should remain as a pub.

“The Horse & Jockey has been a pub for about 200 years. I myself used it regularly for 40 years,” he said.

“It was a very friendly place to meet people, much valued by the locals."

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Mr Nelson said the pub was put on the market in 2018 for an “unrealistic price” of more than £200,000.

He commissioned a survey of the premises and made an offer but it was rejected.

“The survey was devastating, listing multiple serious problems, as well as modifications that had been done without listed building consent.

“I also obtained verbal estimates from building contractors, whose combined estimates fell within the estimate indicated by the survey.

“Based on these, I made an offer to the agents who were selling the premises. The offer was much lower than the asking price, but given the cost of refurbishment, it was a generous offer.

“My offer was refused out of hand.”

Mark Haslam from Herefordshire CAMRA said: “CAMRA will vigorously object to this application.

“The previous freehold owners of the Horse & Jockey allowed the building to fall into such a state of dilapidation that the last pub landlord felt compelled to quit his business there as the building had become virtually uninhabitable.

“However, an offer to purchase the pub (with the aim being to refurbish and run it as such) by a Ross-based businessman was dismissed, in favour of redeveloping the site.”