PLANS are being put together to turn a former Indian restaurant and pub in Princes Risborough into houses and flats.

Zest in Wycombe Road closed at the start of June, as the previous tenants were in rent arrears.

The building, which was previously called The Black Prince, has been empty ever since.

Cllr Gary Hall said he has seen plans to demolish it and build three terraced houses and nine flats including garages.

He said: "It would be such a shame to lose a pub/ restaurant/ hotel that could still be a viable business with the correct management.

"Given what has happened to other re-opened pubs in the area this summer including the Pink and Lily, The Boot and The Britannia at Marlow which have all exceeded expectations I am still very optimistic that The Black Prince pub site is still very much a commercial site rather than a residential one."

The proposal has been sent to local members and also to residents in the vicinity.

A resident, who does not wish to be named, enquired as to whether the pub would be on the market again as he would like to look at opening a B&B there.

He was told it was unlikely in its current state.

The Wellington Pub Company, who own the building, have not responded to a request for a comment.