A PUB which has been empty for almost three years will now be converted into a four-bedroom home.

The Berwick Arms in Bath Road, Worcester, shut in early 2011 after becoming uneconomical, according to the applicant Peter Styles.

Now his plan to convert the former pub into a family home has been approved by planning officers at Worcester City Council.

Last month, your Worcester News reported on the slim possibility that buried Roman remains were under the pub building. James Dinn, the city council’s archaeological officer, said a Roman road once passed close to the site, raising the possibility of finding ancient remains.

Mr Dinn also said the potential for finds extended into the English Civil War, prompting hopes that the development would be delayed.

“We know there was a Roman road coming in to Worcester from Gloucester which ran through that area, but almost certainly not through the site of the Berwick.

“But because of the road there may have been settlements either side of it. So the site has some potential for buried archaeological remains.”

He said typical finds from the Roman period would include remains of settlement occupation, site boundaries, pottery and even people.

“There is always the possibility of human remains,” he said. He has asked for a photographic survey to be taken of the Berwick Arms before construction work begins.

Meanwhile, Mr Styles says there are plenty of other pubs in the area.

“There would be no loss of community facilities with the redevelopment of the Berwick as the community does not use it,” he said in planning documents submitted to the city council.