PLANS to demolish an Alveston pub and build four houses have been approved despite the community’s attempt to save it.

Some 50 residents objected, saying the Cross Hands had been missed since it closed last June and that the village needs somewhere to gather more than it needs expensive homes.

But developer Hawkfield Homes Ltd said the building’s use as a pub was no longer viable and it has no architectural merit.

Resident Dave Osborne led a campaign to have the Cross Hands listed as an asset of community value, which would have given residents the chance to buy it. There was not a bid in the six-week period.

He said in his objection letter: “For many years it was a fantastically-supported meeting point for the surrounding community, both old and young, and with a small degree of investment, could be a well-supported venue again.

“With so many local pubs closing up and down the country, I believe South Gloucestershire Council has an obligation to help halt this growing trend.

“It should not be four crammed-in houses, creating an over-developed plot.”

Hawkfield Homes’ application for four four-bedroom homes said: “It is clear that, although not a building of architectural merit, the former use as a public house holds some social significance for the village.  

“However, this is a use that has ceased and is no longer viable.

“The assessment showed there has been considerable change to the property over the past 100 years, and it does not retain anything within the building of interest.”

It says the main virtue of the pub is its prominent location, but that its redevelopment can secure its long-term viability and that of the wider area.

Assessing the application, South Gloucestershire Council officers said there had been numerous enquiries about buying the Cross Hands but there was no “significant interest” in reopening it as a pub. 

They said its layout does not lend itself to the requirements of a “modern licensed premises” and the kitchen is awkward for commercial catering.

Approving the development, the officers said its benefits outweigh the loss of the asset of community value.