PLANNERS want more talks with architects behind the conversion of a village pub into flats - although it seems its days as a licensed premises are definitely over.

A meeting in Richmond this week accepted the principle of new homes on the site of The Wheatsheaf, in Newton-le-Willows.

However, both the intensity of the development and the fact that some of the proposed properties would overlook existing homes were causes for concern.

Senior Richmondshire district councillors and officers will now negotiate further with applicant, Matthew Slinger, in an attempt to sort out the details before final consent is given.

At present, the plans are for nine homes on adjoining land and the conversion of the pub into three more. However, the project is not popular with everyone in the village.

Some people say the loss of the pub could be disastrous for a community which has seen its station, school, village shop and post office disappear.