PEOPLE are being given a chance to air their views about plans to convert a village pub into a house.

The Travellers Rest, in Skeeby, near Richmond, was sold to an unknown buyer in January; it had been empty for 18 months.

The buyer indicated he wanted to convert it into a house, but many people living in the village want it to remain a pub.

Fears were realised after plans were submitted to Richmondshire District Council for a change of use to domestic.

At a meeting last night, people were given the chance to view the plans for the building and comment on whether they want to see the pub saved.

The parish council wants to find the majority view before it compiles its response and has sent a questionnaire to every household asking for opinions.

The building’s owner argues that the pub is no longer viable as a business and, in a statement submitted to planning officers, says that the pub failed because the village does not attract tourists and is too close to Richmond.

The owner also claims the pub has seen limited investment by previous owners, which will affect its ability to survive in the economic downturn.

Richard Wright, who is fighting the conversion, said: “The new owners will no doubt attempt to show that the Travellers Rest is not viable as a pub.

“I don’t see how they are in a position to know, as they have made no attempt to either run the premises, or sell it as a going concern.

“Viability is not about the recent performance of the business. It is about the potential to succeed, and The Travellers Rest ticks most of the boxes for any viability test.”

John Budden, chairman of Skeeby Parish Council, said: “The meeting was a chance for people to view the plans and post their comments.

“Most people want it to remain as a pub and, although a few aren’t bothered, I haven’t met anyone who thinks turning it into a house is a good idea.”