FRESH plans have been submitted to demolish a landmark pub in Bridgwater after the previous scheme was withdrawn.

The new planning application has been submitted to flatten the Pig & Whistle, in Parkway, to make way for 17 two- and three-bedroom homes.

The original plans, by Land Promotions (Estates) Ltd, submitted in May, were greeted with sadness at the loss of yet another pub with the Withycutter and the Hope Inn, both set to be redeveloped.

The plans have sparked objections, include one from Campaign for Real Ale supporter Brian Jones, who says more should be done to stop pubs disappearing in Bridgwater.

He said in his objection letter: “Isn’t it about time that Sedgemoor District Council took a leaf out of many councils’ planning books and demanded a full CAMRA Public House Viability test of any development requesting the change of use to residential.

“The developer has taken over and part dismantled five local pubs in Somerset and none of them have had Public House Viability Tests.

Carry on like this, SDC, and you will have no pubs left and only yourselves to blame for letting it happen...”

The developer has made alterations to the original plans which include redesigning the layout of the flats so there is one block of three units and three blocks of two units.

The parking spaces have also been changed so there is more green space and tree-planting along the front of Parkway. Two units have also been made available for affordable housing.

Daniel Hurd Associates said in a planning statement on behalf of the developer, Land Promotions: “The existing building on site, a public house, was not commercially viable as a business and no other commercially viable uses were forthcoming for the building following a period of active marketing.

“Redevelopment of the site for residential use was the only viable approach for re-use of the site, and as such it is proposed to demolish the existing building and redevelop the site.”

A council spokesperson said: “We have received a new planning application which will go to committee next month and we welcome any comments from the public.”