THE owner of a Devon public house which is due to be turned into private homes has lifted the lid on financial problems faced by the village pub trade.

Terry Tume was speaking at a meeting of the Teignbridge planning committee which was being recommended to give the properties the go-ahead.

Campaigners said the Red Lion at Tedburn St Mary was a “force for good” at the heart of the community. They began a campaign to save it and raised money towards buying it after having it listed as an official asset of community value.

But Mr Tume told the meeting: “It’s a labour of love and not a profitable business. We were always just surviving.

“The final nail was the huge increase in energy costs in 2022. We took the decision to close the business before finances forced us to.

“I understand that villagers like, and still want, a local, but that desire did not translate into footfall when we needed it.”

Planning officers said having another pub – the Kings Arms – just over the road meant the derelict Red Lion could be redeveloped.

But villagers say that since the 19th century pub closed, a number of community activities have stopped and the village is “diminished”. More than 50 letters of objection were sent in.

No decision was made in the end, with councillors voting to go to see the pub for themselves after concerns were raised over traffic and parking.

A decision will be made at a subsequent planning committee meeting.

By Guy Henderson