A FORMER Wyre Forest pub which has stood empty for more than 17 years is to be converted into two homes.

The Bliss Gate Inn on Heightington Road closed in 2005 and has since fallen into an ‘extremely poor state of repair’.

Plans have now been passed by Wyre Forest District Council to convert the former pub into a four-bedroom home and to demolish a side extension and outbuildings to build a two-bedroom dormer bungalow.

A statement accompanying the planning application notes that the building was delicensed in 2008 and since then a bay window has collapsed as well as the roof to the rear of the property and internal floors.

It states: “This has ultimately resulted in the property being exposed to the elements; thus, resulting in a continuing decline in the structural quality of the building.”

Two timber frame carports at the rear of the development, providing sheltered parking, will also be constructed.