Peter and Claire have run the Royal Arms at Llangrove for just over two years, and are proud to be continuing the tradition of pub landlords in the village which stretches back over 300 years. However, they are increasingly concerned that developments in the village are putting their business in jeopardy and Peter said:?“I would hate to be the last custodian of this pub.”

He told the Ross Gazette that this is increasingly likely to happen as the pub struggled to attract customers during recent work, and building work could adversely affect the structure of the pub.

Peter added:?“Pubs are closing down all the time at a very frightening rate but it is not because they do not do enough business, it is because they are worth more as private homes than pubs.”

The couple told the Gazette that they love their home in a village community and that life was just what they were hoping for after giving up well paid careers in London.

They understand the need for more houses but they are very concerned that the pub is going to be surrounded by modern houses. Most of their trade is not from local people but from tourists, they said a development opposite the pub would not encourage people to travel to their pub as it will be like being on a housing estate rather than in the countryside with views.

Claire said:?“The hedgerow opposite is a huge draw. People like to sit on the patio and watch the wildlife in the hedgerow.”

She said that the developers plan to remove a section to allow for access for residents to the new development.

The proposed development is for five houses, which will be a mix of four and five bedroom homes.

Claire and Peter hope that residents will take the time to comment on the application. They said:?“We realise that every comment is important and we urge our fellow residents to think what it would be like to have a village without a pub. Residents have until September 16th to comment on the proposals which can be found at www.herefordshire.gov.uk. the application number is P182775/F, and Herefordshire Council planning officers are expected to consider the scheme by September 21st.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now