AN empty village pub could now be demolished to make way for new homes.

New proposals would see the vacant Red Lion pub in Holt Heath near Worcester, which has been closed for more than a year, torn down and replaced with six four-bed houses.

The pub closed in November 2020 with the departing landlords saying they were walking away from their dream after little over a year, having experienced ’12 months of hell.’

A statement included with the application said: “The current site is located to the property of the Red Lion in Holt Heath, at present the site is vacant due to the nature of the Pub industry.

“The site has a fairly large car parking area and land to the rear of the existing building.

“The current site requires major investment to improve the existing property and to bring it back into trading use.

“The proposed scheme is the formation of six new dwellings and the demolition of the existing property. The proposal is to provide quality housing in design and to enhance the existing site.

“The proposal of the six dwelling units would use a quality reclaimed looking brick, with render and cladding features, with clay roof tiles. Plots one to six will be four-bedroom dwellings with car parking for two spaces, with electrical charging points for vehicles.”

Plans were put forward this year which would have seen the pub refurbished and reopened alongside three new homes.

The new homes plan was eventually scrapped with a decision still to be made by Malvern Hills District Council.

The refurbishment plans for the pub off the village’s Witley Road includes eight refurbished bedrooms with ensuites and a new entrance.

Previous landlords Kate Stacey and Stephen Wright took over the Red Lion in Holt Heath in October 2019 and poured £50,000 into refurbishing the pub.

The pair announced they would be moving on a little over a year later following a number of forced closures brought on by several Covid lockdowns.

You can have your say on the plans by visiting Malvern Hills District Council’s website.

The application number is M/22/00813/FUL and consultation ends on September 13.