THE owners of the Plough Inn, Holford, have thrown down the gauntlet to villagers who vociferously opposed their plans to convert the pub into a house and two flats earlier this year.

Steve and Mac Cockburn have amended their original plans in order to retain a smaller pub on the site, with the remainder of the building converted into a three-bedroom home and a one-bedroom flat.

And in a letter supporting their application to West Somerset District Council's planning department, the couple said they would be happy for the community to club together and run the pub themselves either by buying it outright or by entering into a lease agreement.

Failing that, the Cockburns said they would hope to attract a management couple to run the pub while retaining the right to "sell the pub at a later date".

The one-bedroom flat would be built above the smaller pub for use by the management couple or to generate income for the landlord, while the three-bedroom property would be used by Mr Cockburn's mother as her "main residence".

Mr Cockburn wrote: "As with any business, we need to consider the best route for ourselves but we do hope that those that have shouted the loudest will now use the pub.

"Also, that they will come forward to exercise one of the options outlined above. This will allow a sustainable facility to be produced."

Holford has already lost its shop, post office and garage and the Cockburns met with a wall of opposition when they announced their intention to convert the pub for residential use.

Villagers, the parish council and the Council for the Protection of Rural England all voiced their objections to the couple's plans and the proposals were ultimately earmarked for refusal by council planning officers.

Officers felt that there was no evidence to prove the pub could not be sold as a going concern and, as such, had been due to recommended councillors turned down the application.

However, the Cockburns decided to withdraw their proposals before they were considered by councillors but the pub has remained shut ever since.

Mrs and Mrs Cockburn argued they had no choice but to convert the property as takings from passing trade had plummeted, largely due to the foot and mouth outbreak.

They said they had invested large amounts of money into the business, including revamping the layout and refitting the kitchen, but to no avail.

The couple's latest plans also include a separate application to convert existing stables/barn into a house, complete with amenity space and two parking spaces.

They said the development would provide a cash injection to keep the main business going, but were reluctant to revoke an existing planning permission for the stables to be used as two bed and breakfast lets.

Mr Cockburn added: "I hope all sides will see the logic in these applications and sense will prevail to allow the pub to re-open at the earliest opportunity."