PLANS to convert a former pub in Nettlestone into flats have been thrown-out by planning bosses at the Isle of Wight Council.

An application to convert the old Roadside Inn, Nettlestone, into four flats went before members of the council's planning committee last night (Tuesday) with a recommendation from officers to conditionally approve the controversial scheme.

However, committee members turned-down the proposals saying that the former pub, since converted to a shop, was a community asset.

Since the pub closed, the Nettlestone Green building has been converted to provide a discount shop with sporadic opening hours on the ground floor and residential accommodation above.

Arguing against the proposed scheme, ward councillor Reg Barry, told members that there had been a put there for 200 years and that the 'discount store' that was sited in the building had only been there for a month and sold 'second-hand toilet seats.'

He added that members of the committee should turn-down the application as the former pub was valuable to the community.

Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council, and four residents, also objected to the plans.

They also said local businesses should be supported, and the building could be better used as a community asset.

The pub was listed as an asset of community value, following an application by the parish council more than three years ago.

However, following the closure of the pub, the asset has been lost and its value to the community considered diminished.