FUNDING for a bid to revive a Hampshire pub which has been closed for almost a year depends on an adjacent housing development being given the go-ahead.

That’s the claim of the new owners of the Four Horseshoes at Nursling who have submitted plans to extend the pub.

Businessmen Rob Wickens and Dave Hurst say the pub, which they bought a year ago, is in need of costly renovation, including the replacement of a crumbling extension.

They hope to pay for the work with the proceeds of a property development.

The pair have submitted plans to Test Valley Borough Council to build five three three-bedroom and two two-bedroom homes in part of the pub grounds and part of three next door gardens. Access to the new homes would be off Nursling Street.

Rob Wickens said the profits from the sale of the houses would be pumped into the pub and work on the pub would be undertaken before the construction of the houses.

“The pub is very old and needs a lot of work, it’s going to cost £500,000 or £600,000,” said Rob.

“We’ve bought a lot of pubs in the past and we’ve knocked a lot of them down but we are also into keeping pubs.”

The duo were responsible for transforming The Saints pub in Millbrook.

“We believe the Four Horseshoes can be a hub of the community,” said Rob.

Rob said the new-look pub, which would create around 25 jobs, would be food orientated with a beer garden and children’s play area. It could be open by next Easter if the plans get the go-ahead.

The scheme goes before Test Valley Borough Council’s Planning Committee next Tuesday. The application is recommended for permission by council officers and has received 11 letters of support from local people. However, Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council has objected, claiming the occupants of the new homes would be subject to fumes and noise pollution from the nearby M271.

In their submission to the planning committee the parish said: “The Parish would like to see the Four Horseshoes redeveloped, but not by the build and sale of residential houses on the site as a way of funding the business refurbishment.”