PLANS to turn the Grade II-listed Lamb Inn in Sandford into houses have been met with a flurry of objections.

As many as 50 people have written to Mid Devon District Council condemning the proposal at the time of writing.

Landlord Nick Silk is currently seeking permission to convert the 16th-century pub into three three-bedroom homes.

He wants to retire, it has “not been a viable business” since the Covid-19 pandemic, and no buyers have been found for two and a half years, planning documents say.

The Lamb Inn was first put up for sale in July 2022 for £795,000, with the price then dropping to £775,000 and later £675,000.

Two buyers were reportedly interested but one thought it too isolated and the other was put off by the drop in profit over previous years.

If the council grants permission, the main pub building, the Lamb Barn next to it and the Dowrich Room to the rear would be converted into homes.

The outside of the pub and buildings would be left alone but for a new dark-grey corrugated-metal roof on the southern part of the Dowrich Room.

There would be no car parking available.

Planning documents say Mr Silk had made efforts to diversify the pub’s income with a wide variety of events and B&B accommodation, but there had still been a “major drop” in turnover.

People who wrote to the council objecting to the plans highlighted the historic nature of the pub, its value to the local community, and questioned whether the business really was unviable.

Cllr Helen Tuffin (Green, Sandford and Creedy) said: “You only need to stand in the Square, in front of the Lamb, to see what a visually attractive and perfectly fitting community asset this is.

“People have their wedding photos taken in this setting! Its architecture and character reflect everything that is great about Sandford, it is a real jewel in the village's crown.”

Ross Gillon said if the pub were to be converted the “heart of the village” would be “removed forever”.

“The pub has operated for over 500 years, and in current living memory has done so successfully,” he said.

“I have sympathy for the current owner as running a pub in the current climate is not easy.

“However, of all the pubs I know, this has a better chance of surviving than any.

“Between the spaces available, the rooms for overnight accommodation, and the supportive local community, this pub should be able to be financially viable.”

Graham Hope added: “I believe the Lamb would be a viable going concern if run by a publican or a community enterprise with its foot in the village rather than a manager with its attendant extra staff costs.

“As to the lack of a sale perhaps a less ambitious price offering is needed or a new plan.”

You can see the application on the Mid Devon District Council website under reference 25/00040/FULL.

To see more public notices and planning applications, visit: publicnoticeportal.uk.