PLANS to turn a village pub into three homes and to build an extra house at the back have been turned down by Wiltshire Council.

Bentley Slade Ltd had applied to convert The Drummer Boy in Church Street, Market Lavington but members of the eastern area planning committee rejected the scheme, despite officers recommending it should go-ahead.

Councillor Richard Gamble said that the proposal would bring an old building back into use and the design was of an acceptable standard, but the one fundamental issue of access for vehicles was unsatisfactory and dangerous.

He said if allowed the project would have a severe impact upon the safety of road users and pedestrians. The parish council was also against the plan.

The committee voted against the plan because of the restricted access which it said would make manoeuvring into and out of the site difficult and dangerous having a severe impact upon the safety of road users and pedestrians on Church Street.