A FORMER pub is to be demolished and could make way for new homes.

Southampton City Council chiefs have given themselves permission to knock down the derelict Hare & Hounds in Harefield ahead of potential redevelopment.

There are no confirmed plans for the site in Cheriton Avenue, but the council says it is pursuing a housing-led scheme with a community cafe or micro pub.

Civic bosses made the decision as there had been several break-ins at the building which had become a magnet for vandals and anti-social behaviour.

There were no formal objections to the demolition.

But ward councillor Peter Baillie said: “It is always sad to see a local pub be demolished, especially on one of our estates where there are little enough facilities anyway.”

The pub was not listed as an asset of community value and with no significant trees, vegetation or habitats on the site, it cleared the path for a straightforward decision by officials.

The demolition will also include the removal of all asbestos.

The council said all brickwork, concrete and other materials would be crushed and recycled where possible.

A council spokesman said: “Following the decision by the former operators to close the Hare & Hounds pub in Harefield, the council has been marketing the property to establish whether there was interest from other operators.”

No suitable proposals have come forward, so the council will be pursuing redevelopment of the site for a housing-led scheme, subject to securing planning consent.

The proposals will also offer the opportunity to run a community cafe or micro pub to serve the area.

A spokesman added: “The vacant property has attracted anti-social behaviour and, despite efforts

to secure the site, there have been a number of break-ins.

“The decision has, therefore, been taken to demolish the building and clear the site.

“We are in negotiations with demolition contractors so will confirm a programme and cost in due course.”

Conditions on the planning permission mean a contractor would have to minimise disruption to neighbours.

Work would be permitted between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and between 9.30am and 1pm on Saturdays.