THE owner of a disused village pub has been refused permission to convert it into a home.

The Travellers Rest in Skeeby, near Richmond, has been empty for several years and was recently registered as an asset of community value.

Now proposals by Hartlepool property developer Jon Whitfield, to convert it into a house have been rejected by Richmondshire District Council’s planning committee - which heard villagers have campaigned for many years to have it reopened.

Land manager, Richard Trow, speaking for Mr Whitfield, told the committee: “The property has been marketed for sale with Fleurets since November 2011, starting at £265,000 and reducing to £175,000 in November ‘14 in order to generate serious interest. “At no point during any discussions which have taken place have Skeeby Community Pub Society ever demonstrated any proof of funds after making a £120,000 offer.”

Mr Whitfield’s planning statement said: “The pub has historically failed to attract the level of custom required in order for it to be a viable business; and extensive marketing has generated very little interest in the re-use of the premises as a pub.”

But members of Skeeby Community Pub Society said business thrived when it was privately owned, and only declined after being taken over by a brewery.

Pub society member Paul Bell said: “The current owner’s argument that the pub is no longer viable is immaterial.

“We are confident that the pub can be operated sustainably, we have backed that with business plans and the viability would be our risk.

“We have the skills and capability to form a successful community pub operation and the financial backing to fund a purchase at a sensible market price.

“We will not put forward an unsustainable proposition to the community and believe that we offered the current owner the maximum value of the property as it stands.”

Planning committee member John Blackie said: “I don’t think the owner would ever agree to sell the pub to the rightful owners – the community.

“It is possible for a pub to reopen and thrive – just as community pubs in Coverdale and Hudswell have done after being taken on by the local community.”

The decision comes after plans to convert 300-year-old pub in the hamlet of Fadmoor on the North York Moors into offices was recently refused by the national park planning committee.