The company behind plans to develop the former Stage Post pub in West Lavington has received approval to build four houses on the site.

FPC (West Lavington) has gained planning permission from Wiltshire Council for four semi-detached four-bedroom houses at the rear of the boarded-up pub in High Street.

This comes after it gained permission to demolish the function room and outbuildings at the pub and create a beer garden. In that plan, FPC seemed to suggest the pub, which closed four years ago, could be trading again.

The Gazette has tried to contact FPC, which has an address in Surrey, through its agents to ask its intentions for the Stage Post but no-one has responded.

West Lavington Parish Council objected to the plan, saying that smaller, affordable homes would be better suited to the village.

FPC amended the plan by removing dormer windows and increasing the height of the eaves for a more traditional appearance.

Wiltshire Council planning officer Morgan Jones said in his report granting permission: “The scheme, as amended, is considered to be of an appropriate layout and design for the context of the site and will not harm the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

Sandra Gamble, chairman of West Lavington Parish Council, said she knew nothing about FPC. She said: “There are rumours that they are going to re-open the Stage Post. The whole village has been concerned about the mess there (the site).”