THERE are plans to provide guest rooms at a popular county pub.

Landlord Matt Slocombe has submitted plans to Herefordshire Council to convert the first floor of the Crown Inn at Woolhope.

His proposals also include converting an external store building to provide accommodation.

The plans are for a total of eight guest bedrooms with some ensuite rooms.

Alterations to part of the ground floor are proposed for facilities to support the guest accommodation to include a manager’s office with welfare facilities, reception area and lobby.

The scheme also includes minor internal and external and changes to existing doors and windows.

Architects working on the plans say the proposed layout, scale and nature of development fully respects the character of the existing Crown Inn.

The proposed works relate to the conversion of existing floorspace. No creation of additional floorspace is proposed.

And car parking and main access arrangements will remain as they are.

David Jones, a planning consultant working on the proposals, said: “The proposal aims to enhance and safeguard the continued viability of the public house as a community and social facility in the rural area whilst extending the accommodation offer locally in a sensitive and appropriate manner.

“This is fully supportive of key objectives in the adopted development plan, namely its contribution to local rural economy, sustainable tourism and community facility objectives and accordance with relevant core strategy policies.”

Residents have until March 16 to make any comments on the scheme.

The council is expected to consider the proposals by April 1.