LOCAL people fighting to save a much-loved Devon pub face a showdown with planners next week.

The ‘Save The Red’ group says the Red Lion in Tedburn St Mary is a “force for good” and should not be turned into four houses.

But the pub has been closed for nearly two years, and Teignbridge Council planning officers say having the Kings Arms just over the road means the derelict Red Lion can be redeveloped.

The application will come up at a meeting of the Teignbridge planning committee on Tuesday, June 11.

In December, the Red Lion was registered as an asset of community value, meaning the local community can put together its own bid to buy it.

Councillors are concerned about the loss of community facilities, as well as highway issues, parking and drainage, but officers recommend the homes are given the green light, subject to a number of conditions.

Villagers say that since the 19th century pub closed, a number of community activities have stopped and the village is “diminished”. A community benefit society has been raising funds towards buying and re-opening the pub.

More than 50 letters of objection have been received.

Tedburn St Mary Parish Council voted against the plan, saying it had concerns about parking, sewerage and the impact on the village.

By Guy Henderson