THE future of Cradley's Crown Inn is still uncertain after planners deferred a decision on whether the site should be redeveloped.

Dispute broke out in November over plans to build housing on the site of the pub, which closed 15 years ago.

In March, applicant David Woodward withdrew that application and submitted a new proposal to build four homes near the 300-year-old pub and turn a Grand II listed barn into a bed and breakfast.

But at a meeting on Wednesday, Herefordshire Council's northern area planning committee decided to defer a decision on the application, pending a site visit. The date of the visit will be decided when the new council is formed after yesterday's elections.

The decision was applauded by campaigner Sally Ramsden, part of the Cradley Crown Crusaders, a group of villagers battling for the pub to be reopened. They believe the plans would spoil garden space and reduce parking.

"I take this as a very positive note by the planning committee. They do recognise that this is a very important move for the village," she said.

Mark Haslam of the Campaign for Real Ale also welcomed the news and applauded the recommendation that no development take place until the pub has reopened.

He said: "We still have serious misgivings about the size and the type of development and how it might impact with the pub's viability."

Mr Haslam said particular care should be taken to ensure that the hostelry remains an attractive proposition to future buyers, fearing the housing development may be detrimental to its business.

Mr Woodward said he had no reaction to the decision.

"That's the procedure they have and I have to go along with it," he said.