AN EMPTY pub in Stokenchurch could be converted into homes, if a planning application is permitted.

An application has been put into Wycombe District Council to convert The Four Horseshoes in Oxford Road into two three bed dwellings.

The plans also want to knock down the pub's single storey extensions and existing outhouses to the rear, and put up one pair of three bed semi-detached dwellings.

The applicant wants a new access road to the back of the pub, following the blocking off of the existing access, and creation of a car parking area.

Malcolm Penny, chairman of Stokenchurch Parish Council, said: "The council's view is that we are looking into the machinery of allowing an access to the premises across land that forms part of the village green.

"It is something we are going to have to look at carefully."

Cllr Penny said they do not have a problem with the planning application though.

The Community Needs Assessment for the application said there are currently 15 community facilities (excluding pubs) within the ward of which four are dedicated community facilities, with eight available for public hire.

Eight of these buildings are in Stokenchurch village including Longburrow Hall and the Stokenchuch Centre.

It also says there are a number of pubs/ restaurants within the village including The Fleur De Lis, The Royal Oak, The Kings Arm Hotel and The Mowchak.

As a result it says there is no deficiency in terms of the number of community facilities and Stokenchurch benefits from a sufficient number/range of community facilities, all of which would remain unaffected by the proposed development.

It added it was implied there was no demonstrable need for the facility, and that its loss would not be "harmful to the social well-being of the community".